Sonia Gandhi Alleges Poll Theft, BJP Hits Back
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has accused the BJP-led Narendra Modi government of undermining India’s democratic institutions and claimed that several elections have been stolen. Her remarks, made in an interview ahead of the November 10 release of her memoir, have drawn sharp criticism from BJP leaders.
Sonia Gandhi Alleges Election Manipulation Under BJP
Gandhi claimed that Congress and other opposition parties have faced an unequal electoral environment since the BJP came to power in 2014.
She accused the government of exerting influence over the Election Commission, mainstream media and other institutions while using financial resources and religion for political advantage.
Gandhi further asserted that recent developments had demonstrated electoral manipulation in several elections. However, her allegations do not establish that election results were stolen.
Congress Questions Election Commission and Voter Rolls
The remarks come amid ongoing opposition protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Congress leaders have alleged irregularities in voter-list revisions and demanded greater electoral transparency. The Election Commission maintains that the revision process is intended to remove duplicate and ineligible entries.
Gandhi also defended Congress’s political prospects, stating that the party continued to resist the BJP despite electoral setbacks and institutional challenges.
BJP Counters Sonia Gandhi With Emergency Reminder
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal rejected Gandhi’s criticism and questioned her position on democracy by referring to the Emergency imposed under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh similarly criticised Congress over its electoral performance and Emergency-era restrictions on democratic freedoms.
In her interview, Gandhi defended Indira Gandhi’s eventual decision to hold elections in 1977 and recalled her subsequent expression of regret over Emergency excesses.
Gandhi’s memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, is scheduled for worldwide release on November 10.
