Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has escalated his offensive against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of shielding those responsible for “vote chori” (vote theft) and undermining Indian democracy. At a press conference in New Delhi, Gandhi unveiled what he called “absolute solid proof” of systemic electoral fraud.

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Rahul allegations of mass voter deletions

Gandhi alleged that in states such as Karnataka, Maharashtra, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, millions of voters, particularly Dalits, Adivasis and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), had been deliberately targeted for deletion from the rolls. “This is not an accident. This is a designed attack on India’s weakest communities to manipulate the outcome of elections,” he declared.

What are the 5 charges against the CEC

Rahul Gandhi outlined five specific accusations against CEC Gyanesh Kumar:

  1. Complicity in vote deletions: Allowing mass removal of voters across key states. Gandhi said CEC tried to delete over 6000 voters in Aland constituency in Karnataka.
  2. Targeting of marginalised groups: Disproportionately deleting names of Dalits, Adivasis and OBCs.
  3. Procedural fraud: Applications for deletions filed using unauthorised mobile numbers.
  4. Suppression of data: Refusing to publish details of voter deletions, forms and OTP records.
  5. Protecting ‘vote chores’: Defending those “destroying democracy” rather than holding them accountable.

“These actions make the CEC culpable of vote chori,” Gandhi charged, demanding accountability.

Call for transparency and accountability

The Congress leader insisted the Election Commission must publish all data relating to voter deletions within a week. “If they have nothing to hide, let them release the records. Why are they defending the murderers of democracy?” he asked, suggesting a cover-up at the highest levels.

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Gandhi claimed to have inside information from the Election Commission itself, which, he argued, confirmed his suspicions. He pointed to the legal process already underway in Aland, Karnataka, as well as similar irregularities in Maharashtra, as evidence of a wider conspiracy.

Gandhi appealed directly to India’s young voters. “You are witnessing the systematic destruction of democracy. The CEC is not protecting democracy but protecting the vote chor. This battle is about the future of India itself,” he said.

FACT CHECK

EC has refuted all allegations made by Rahul Gandhi today. In a fact check on social media, EC said, “Allegations made by Shri Rahul Gandhi are incorrect and baseless”, adding, “No voter deletion can be done online”, which Rahul Gandhi had claimed.

BJP asked Congress for proof and claimed that Rahul Gandhi is making false statements against the EC as he wants to create situation like Nepal and Bangladesh.