On Thursday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of safeguarding ‘vote chors’ who threaten democracy, alleging systematic voter deletions ahead of elections. Gandhi made these claims during a press conference at the Congress headquarters, Indira Bhawan.
Gandhi’s allegations are based on data from the Karnataka Assembly constituency. He stated that votes of Congress supporters were nearing systematic deletion, calling on the Election Commission (EC) to act. In his opinion, the integrity of Indian democracy is at stake.
Serious Allegations Against the Election Commission
During his address, Gandhi demanded the EC provide information requested by the Karnataka CID regarding these voter deletions within a week. He asserted that this issue is vital not just for Congress but for the future of every young voter in the country.
“The revelations I am presenting today mark a crucial moment in revealing how elections are rigged,” Gandhi claimed, suggesting his findings are merely a precursor to more shocking information to come.
Details of Voter Deletions in Karnataka
Gandhi referenced specific instances from Karnataka’s Aland constituency, where he alleged that attempts to delete 6,018 votes were thwarted. He explained how a booth-level officer accidentally discovered the deletions when her uncle’s vote went missing.
“A neighbor, unaware of the deletions, had their vote hijacked by unknown parties. It reveals a troubling trend where someone is systematically targeting voters across India,” he stated.
“I am making serious claims about Gyanesh Kumar,” he declared, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding his views on the Chief Election Commissioner. “The CEC is protecting those who have damaged our democracy,” he emphasized.
Fraudulent Activity Across Constituencies
Adding to his argument, Gandhi pointed to Maharashtra’s Rajura constituency, claiming voters were wrongfully added using automated software. This underlines a larger issue related to election integrity nationwide.
He insisted that fraudulent filings, including impersonation of voters using mobile numbers from outside Karnataka, need rigorous investigation. “The CID has reached out to the EC multiple times over the last 18 months for basic information, yet no substantial response has been received,” he noted.
Calls for Action and Transparency
“This lack of response from the Election Commission can only mean they know who is behind these illegal activities. By not acting, they are shielding the murderers of democracy,” he stated.
Gandhi brought a voter to the press conference whose vote was allegedly targeted for deletion. Both the voter and the individual whose name was used during the fraudulent deletion process denied any knowledge of the attempts.
“This is a serious matter,” he reiterated, suggesting the software used for these deletions should come under scrutiny. He urged all young Indians to recognize the threat to their democratic rights.
Concluding his statement, Gandhi referenced a previous promise to reveal a “hydrogen bomb” of information about vote manipulation. On September 1, he urged all voters to remain watchful and informed, as the future of their representation rests in their hands.
Last month, Gandhi alluded to the wider electoral landscape, stating that over one lakh votes were manipulated in Mahadevapura during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. He emphasized how ‘vote chori’ has become an atom bomb threatening Indian democracy.
As these severe accusations unfold, there exists an amplified call for accountability within the Election Commission. With elections approaching, the demand for electoral integrity and transparency is more pronounced than ever.
