Rahul Gandhi Challenges EC Over ‘Vote Theft’ Claims
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, while addressing supporters during his Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, launched a direct attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI). He alleged that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls is being misused to enable large-scale “vote theft.” According to Gandhi, the SIR process has opened the door for manipulation, allowing voters to be deliberately excluded or shifted. He called this practice “vote chori” and insisted that the Commission will have to answer to the people. “The time is coming when the entire country will ask you for your affidavit,” Gandhi said, warning that the INDIA bloc will hold the EC accountable if it comes to power.
Election Commission’s Ultimatum
The Election Commission responded firmly to the allegations. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar issued a seven-day deadline to Gandhi, asking him to either submit a sworn affidavit with proof of his claims or issue a public apology. The Commission underlined that there is “no third option,” and any failure to comply would render Gandhi’s accusations baseless. This strong response reflects the Commission’s intent to defend its credibility amid mounting political pressure.
Opposition’s Collective Pushback
The INDIA bloc has rallied behind Gandhi’s statements, indicating that they may move an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav backed the demand, citing his party’s concerns about discrepancies in digital receipts. The Trinamool Congress also declared that it would challenge the EC both in court and in Parliament, emphasizing what it sees as systematic bias against opposition parties. With multiple parties joining hands, the dispute over SIR has grown into a larger political confrontation.
