"Votes Stolen from Top Level": Rahul Gandhi Slams CEC, Demands Resignation
Rahul Gandhi demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, alleging systematic vote theft from the poor to benefit billionaires.
In a scathing attack on the electoral machinery, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has intensified his allegations of widespread electoral irregularities. Speaking ahead of the scheduled November 1 ‘Dilli Chalo’ march at Ramlila Maidan, Gandhi claimed that votes are being systematically stolen "right from the top level," leading to a direct demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar or his immediate removal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Allegations of "Systematic Vote Theft"
Addressing the ‘Vote Adhikar Jeene Ka Adhikar’ Jan Sunwai in the national capital, Rahul Gandhi asserted that the fundamental right of Indian citizens is under threat. He alleged that the removal of poor people from electoral rolls is not accidental but a deliberate strategy.
"The entire Opposition stands united on this issue," Gandhi declared. "The vote is the fundamental right of every Indian citizen. Yet, across India, this right—their vote—is being systematically snatched away from crores of people."
He further claimed that this "vote theft" is being orchestrated to reshape the country into a 'Naya Hindustan' (New India) that serves only a small circle of billionaires, while stripping ordinary citizens and the poor of their rights and entitlements.
Congress Leadership Joins the Fray
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed these sentiments, targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In a post on X, Kharge accused the duo of attempting to suppress the public movement against alleged electoral fraud.
Kharge questioned why the government is protecting CEC Gyanesh Kumar, stating, "As more skeletons tumble out of the Election Commission’s cupboard, exposing Vote Chori, Modi-Shah are trying hard to suppress the people's movement!" He characterized the government's response as "diversionary tactics" and "bogus propaganda" that tarnishes Indian democracy.
Broad Concerns Over Electoral Transparency
The party's concerns extend beyond the current revision of electoral rolls. AICC observer Pallam Raju, speaking at a press conference, highlighted a broader pattern of irregularities. He noted that the Congress has long been vocal about:
- The weakening of the electoral process.
- Concerns regarding the handling of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
- Issues surrounding Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs).
- Recent changes made to voter lists.
Raju emphasized that the party's primary demand is absolute transparency and accountability at every single stage of the election process.
BJP Response and Trade Body Concerns
The BJP has dismissed these allegations, with leaders suggesting that the Congress party is "heading for doom." Beyond the political rhetoric, the planned mega rally has sparked concerns among the business community.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has requested the INDIA bloc to defer the rally, citing the peak festive season. With Dhanteras, Diwali, and Bhai Dooj approaching, trade bodies warned that road diversions, barricading, and the closure of metro stations in central Delhi could lead to losses of thousands of crores in commercial turnover for major trading hubs.
While BJP leaders urged Rahul Gandhi to consider the plight of traders, Congress leaders have defended the protest, maintaining that the fight for voting rights outweighs the objections raised by trade bodies.