'Vote Theft' Warnings Proven True: AICC's Manoj Chauhan Slams EC and BJP
AICC Secretary Manoj Chauhan alleges a sinister conspiracy to destroy democracy through electoral fraud and demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
In a blistering attack on the Election Commission and the ruling BJP, All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary Manoj Chauhan has asserted that the warnings issued by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi regarding vote theft over the last two years have now been proven true. Speaking at a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati on Sunday, Chauhan detailed a "sinister conspiracy" aimed at dismantling Indian democracy through large-scale electoral fraud.
Allegations of Internal Discord within the Election Commission
Addressing the 'Save Vote, Save Democracy' campaign, which has been launched nationwide under Rahul Gandhi's leadership, Chauhan made startling claims about the internal workings of the Election Commission. He alleged that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised serious objections nearly 14 times over the past ten months.
According to Chauhan, these objections centered on irregularities in Form 6 and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. However, he claimed that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar disregarded these concerns, instead making decisions based on personal preferences. Chauhan further alleged that the Election Commission has colluded with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah to facilitate the formation of governments through the theft of votes.
Controversy Over the Appointment of Election Commissioners
The AICC Secretary highlighted a shift in the appointment process of the Election Commissioners, referencing a 2023 Supreme Court judgment. The apex court had originally directed that the selection committee should consist of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
Chauhan alleged that the Modi government used its numerical strength in Parliament to amend the law, removing the CJI and replacing the position with a Union Cabinet Minister. He argued that this move was designed to ensure a majority favorable to the government during the selection process.
Adding to his grievances, Chauhan pointed out that Election Commissioners have been granted comprehensive legal immunity from civil and criminal proceedings for decisions made during their tenure. He claimed this provides a shield for those appointed to "facilitate vote theft," allowing democracy to be undermined without legal hindrance.
Three Non-Negotiable Demands
Representing the stance of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and the INDIA bloc, Chauhan outlined three primary demands that the party refuses to compromise on:
- Resignation of the CEC: The immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Scrapping the SIR Process: The total cancellation of the Special Intensive Revision process, which the Congress alleges has led to the wrongful deletion of approximately 13 million voters across India.
- Return to Ballot Papers: A demand that all future Assembly elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha elections be conducted using physical ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Massive Protests Planned in Delhi
In a pointed remark, Chauhan compared Prime Minister Modi's power to a "king's life trapped inside a parrot," suggesting that the foundation of the PM's power would crumble the moment Gyanesh Kumar resigns.
To amplify their movement, the Congress and the INDIA bloc have announced a series of massive protests in the national capital:
- November 1: A mega rally at the historic Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, with an ambitious goal of gathering over one million people.
- November 25 and 26: Further large-scale programs scheduled to take place in Delhi.
Chauhan emphasized that the issue of electoral integrity is no longer just a political battle for the Congress or the INDIA bloc, but has evolved into a nationwide public concern and a direct demand from the people of India.