Rahul Gandhi Targets PM Modi Over CEC Protection Allegations
Rahul Gandhi leads the INDIA bloc in a march to the Supreme Court, accusing PM Modi of protecting the CEC amidst allegations of vote theft.
In a high-stakes political confrontation, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the central government of shielding Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Ahead of a massive march by the INDIA bloc to the Supreme Court, Gandhi questioned the heavy security crackdown in the national capital, asking, "Why is Delhi jailed?"
Allegations of 'Vote Theft' and Election Interference
Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi, Gandhi alleged that the Election Commission, under the leadership of Gyanesh Kumar, is facilitating "vote-chori" (vote theft) and hijacking the democratic process of the country. He claimed that what began as resistance years ago has now crystallized into a massive public movement.
“We want this, and the government is making a big mistake because we want to show the country that the government, PM Narendra Modi, is protecting Gyanesh Kumar,” Gandhi stated. He emphasized that the INDIA bloc's protest against the perceived unfairness in elections has gained significant momentum over the last few days.
Supreme Court Intervention
The Congress leader revealed that he and the Congress president had formally written to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to express "grave concern" regarding the integrity of Indian democracy and election fairness. According to Gandhi, the CJI responded by instructing the bloc to file a formal petition.
“Today, INDIA bloc leaders and I will go to the Supreme Court together and file this petition,” he announced, signaling a legal battle to challenge the current functioning of the Election Commission.
Delhi Under Siege: The 'Chalo Dilli' Protest
As the "Chalo Dilli" march commenced from Connaught Place toward the Supreme Court, Gandhi painted a picture of a capital city turned into a fortress. He alleged that the administration is actively preventing citizens from reaching the city to stifle the protest.
- Massive Deployment: Gandhi claimed that between 20,000 to 30,000 security personnel have been deployed across the city.
- Travel Restrictions: He alleged that trains and buses are being stopped and passengers are being forced to disembark to prevent them from reaching Delhi.
- Security Forces: The deployment includes Delhi Police, the Rapid Action Force (RAF), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
“The question is, why is Delhi, the capital city of India, under siege? People are being stopped from reaching Delhi. Delhi has been turned into a fortress,” the Congress MP remarked, adding that while the government might see this as a show of power, the opposition's strategy is different.
A Widening Divide
Gandhi further claimed that the movement is gaining support even from within the security apparatus. He alleged that a significant portion of police personnel are sympathetic to their cause.
“Exactly 50% of the police personnel are telling us that what we are doing is right and we should continue. Police, ITBP, CRPF, the people of India are on one side and Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Ajit Doval, Gyanesh Kumar, and 4-5 members of the Election Commission... are on the other side. We are increasing this divide,” he asserted.
Heavy security remains in place across Central Delhi, with barricades at multiple locations and closures at several metro stations near Barakhamba Road and Mandi House to manage the unfolding political tension.