Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has made serious allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, claiming he is protecting “vote chors” and undermining democracy. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Gandhi highlighted systematic deletions of Congress supporters’ votes in Karnataka, raising questions about the integrity of upcoming elections.
Accusations Against the Election Commission
At the Congress Indira Bhawan headquarters in Karnataka, Gandhi demanded that the Election Commission cease these actions and respond to requests for information from the Karnataka CID regarding voter deletions within a week. He stated, “The Election Commission must step up and ensure transparency in our electoral process. Anything less is unacceptable.”
Gandhi described his findings as crucial in revealing how elections could be rigged, particularly harmful to the youth of India. However, he emphasized that these claims are not the strongest evidence he has promised to reveal soon.
Evidence from Karnataka’s Aland Constituency
Specifically, Gandhi pointed to irregularities in Karnataka’s Aland constituency in 2023, where attempts were allegedly made to delete 6,018 votes. He stated that a local booth-level officer noticed the disappearance of votes, reportedly orchestrated by an unknown entity using automated methods.
According to Gandhi, “Someone has been systematically targeting millions of votes across India. This is a serious issue that should concern every citizen.” His allegations included that many of the deletion applications were filled out using mobile numbers registered outside Karnataka.
Direct Testimony from Affected Voters
To illustrate his claims, Gandhi introduced one voter whose vote was targeted for deletion. This voter denied any knowledge of the fraudulent actions taken in their name, further reinforcing the seriousness of Gandhi’s allegations.
Gandhi remarked, “These actions threaten not just individual voters but the very fabric of our democracy. It is imperative that the Election Commission investigates these claims thoroughly.”
Calls for Accountability
Gandhi also noted that the Karnataka CID has sent 18 letters over the past 18 months to the Election Commission, seeking basic information necessary for their investigation. He criticized the Commission for withholding information that could expose the masterminds behind these actions.
He stated, “The Election Commission knows who is complicit in these actions. By withholding information, they are not just protecting those responsible; they are contributing to the ongoing erosion of democracy in India.”
Previous Revelations on Vote Manipulation
Accusations of vote manipulation have been escalating. Just last month, Gandhi claimed that over one lakh votes were “stolen” during the Mahadevapura assembly segment’s polling in Karnataka. He referred to this manipulation as an “atom bomb on our democracy,” highlighting the urgency for reform.
In conclusion, Gandhi’s allegations against Gyanesh Kumar have sparked considerable debate about the integrity of India’s elections. He encourages every citizen, especially young voters, to demand transparency and accountability from the Election Commission.
