In Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi has amplified his accusations of "vote theft" against the BJP, promising to reveal explosive evidence to support his claims. Addressing the media and the public, Gandhi asserted that he possesses concrete proof of electoral manipulation and is ready to present even more compelling evidence in the near future.
Gandhi's remarks came during a two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh, where he also chaired a meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA). He stated that the slogan "vote chor, gaddi chhod" (vote thief, leave the seat) is resonating throughout the country, reflecting a widespread belief that governments are being formed through illicit means.
The Congress leader claimed that elections have been stolen in states like Maharashtra, Haryana, and Karnataka. He has previously cited Congress's "research" on voting irregularities in Karnataka's Mahadevapura assembly segment, alleging the theft of 100,250 votes. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has dismissed these charges as baseless and demanded that Gandhi either provide a sworn declaration or apologize for his remarks. However, Gandhi has refused to retract his statements, asserting that he cited ECI's own data and has already taken an oath to the Constitution as a parliamentarian.
Continuing his offensive, Gandhi hinted at further disclosures, declaring he would drop a "hydrogen bomb" after the "atom bomb". This metaphorical "hydrogen bomb," he explained, represents more dynamic and explosive proof of vote theft that will expose the alleged wrongdoings of the BJP. He cautioned BJP leaders against becoming agitated, stating that the "hydrogen bomb" would reveal everything.
Gandhi has also alleged that the "Gujarat model" is a scheme for electoral fraud involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Election Commission. He stated that in the coming days, he will prove beyond a doubt that these individuals are stealing votes and that the youth of Bihar will show PM Narendra Modi how "vote chori" will be put to an end.
These allegations and counter-allegations have created a tense political atmosphere, with the BJP accusing Gandhi of scripting his "vote chori" narrative abroad. The Congress party has dismissed these accusations as ridiculous. Meanwhile, the Madras High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the ECI to clarify Rahul Gandhi's "vote chori" allegations, terming the plea "completely misconceived" and imposing a cost of Rs 1 lakh on the petitioner. The court clarified that the dismissal of the PIL should not be construed as its opinion on the allegations themselves and that the poll panel remains free to take its own decisions in this matter.
