Leader of the Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi recently released a new video on social media platform X, aiming to strengthen his allegations of “vote theft.” In this eight-minute video, Gandhi claims that there is a deep-rooted conspiracy between the Election Commission (EC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to manipulate election outcomes. The Congress leader further accused the Election Commission of treason, asserting that the actions of the Commission undermine the country’s democracy and constitution.
Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations: Vote Theft and Conspiracy
In his new video, Rahul Gandhi renewed his accusations that the Election Commission and the BJP are collaborating to steal votes. He highlighted instances in several states where he claims fraudulent practices have taken place. He specifically pointed to the states of Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh as examples where he believes the process was manipulated. Furthermore, he reiterated his earlier claims about Maharashtra, Haryana, and Karnataka, suggesting that fake or fraudulent voters were created through some kind of “magic.”
Gandhi wrote on social media, “Vote Chori is not just an electoral scam; it is a major betrayal of the constitution and democracy. The criminals of this nation should hear this – time will change, and punishment will be served.” With these statements, Rahul Gandhi sought to emphasize the gravity of the allegations and the need for accountability.
Allegations of ‘Vote Theft’ in Over 100 Seats
Rahul Gandhi, speaking from his experience in the political field, explained that he was born into a political family and has contested elections for the last two decades. This experience, according to him, has provided him with a deep understanding of how elections are fought, booths are managed, and votes are manipulated. He claimed that during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, vote theft occurred in over 100 seats. Gandhi went on to assert that had the elections been fair, the Modi government would not have come to power.
Five Types of ‘Vote Theft’ Identified by Rahul Gandhi
In his video, Rahul Gandhi identified five distinct forms of vote theft. These include duplicate voters, incorrect addresses, multiple voters registered at a single address, voters with incorrect or small photos that make identification difficult, and the misuse of Form 6. According to Gandhi, Form 6 is typically used for first-time voters, but he alleged that even people as old as 90 years have used this form to get their names added to the voter list.
These claims of irregularities in the electoral roll and voter list manipulation paint a concerning picture of how the electoral process is being undermined, according to the opposition leader. Gandhi’s attempt is to expose what he calls a pattern of systemic fraud in India’s elections, which he believes is being facilitated by the Election Commission.
Bihar Elections and Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
In the same video, Rahul Gandhi also brought up the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters in Bihar, which is taking place ahead of the state assembly elections scheduled for October-November 2025. He strongly criticized this process, calling it an example of institutional theft. Gandhi alleged that the Election Commission was altering the voter list in a manner that was designed to favor the BJP. He emphasized that these manipulations were occurring under the watch of the Election Commission and accused them of being complicit in the process.
In the video, Rahul Gandhi remarked, “This is institutional theft. The Election Commission wants to manipulate the voter list and clearly assist the BJP.” He referred to a livecast that he had done the day before, where he detailed all these allegations and presented his evidence.
Election Commission’s Response and Rahul’s Retort
Following these serious allegations, the Election Commission responded by asking Rahul Gandhi to provide affidavits with all the evidence he had presented publicly. On Thursday, the Commission requested that Gandhi submit the proofs he had referenced in his statements. Rahul Gandhi, however, was quick to counter this request. In his response, he declared, “My words are my affidavit.” He stood firm on his position, stating that he had already made everything public and that his claims were based on the Election Commission’s own data.
Rahul Gandhi further insisted that the Election Commission should investigate the data provided by the Commission itself. He maintained that his statements were not baseless but were drawn from official records. The Congress leader’s bold response, combined with his ongoing accusations, suggests that the political battle over the fairness of the electoral process is far from over.
Reactions to Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations
Rahul Gandhi’s video and his accusations have sparked a flurry of reactions. Some of his political allies and supporters have voiced strong support for his claims, demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged voter manipulations. Congress leaders have been vocal about their concerns regarding the integrity of the Election Commission, calling for transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
On the other hand, the ruling party, BJP, and its supporters have dismissed these accusations as baseless and politically motivated. The BJP has called these allegations an attempt by the opposition to divert attention from their own shortcomings. The party has also emphasized the legitimacy of the Election Commission and its role in ensuring free and fair elections.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has continued to maintain its neutrality and integrity in handling elections. The Commission has insisted that all allegations are being taken seriously and that any instance of electoral malpractices will be thoroughly investigated.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Indian Democracy
The debate raised by Rahul Gandhi on vote manipulation and the role of the Election Commission brings to the forefront some serious questions about the integrity of India’s electoral process. While such allegations are not new, the specific focus on the collaboration between the Election Commission and the ruling party adds a new layer of concern. If proven true, these accusations could shake the very foundation of democratic processes in India.
The ongoing controversy raises questions about the effectiveness of electoral oversight and the safeguards in place to prevent such manipulations. The demands for an independent and transparent investigation into these allegations will likely intensify, particularly with the upcoming Bihar elections on the horizon. As the opposition continues to press for greater scrutiny of the electoral process, the Election Commission’s role in maintaining public trust in the electoral system will be closely monitored.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the allegations of “vote theft” and electoral manipulation will undoubtedly remain a contentious issue. Rahul Gandhi’s accusations have opened a wider debate about the fairness of elections and the possible compromises made by key institutions. His call for accountability and punishment for those involved in manipulating votes may resonate with many, especially in a democracy where free and fair elections are the cornerstone of governance.
However, the political storm sparked by these allegations is likely to persist, with both sides of the political spectrum accusing each other of attempting to undermine the system. In the coming months, as more evidence comes to light and investigations are conducted, the true extent of these allegations will determine their impact on Indian democracy.
For now, the political battle continues, with Rahul Gandhi leading the charge against what he claims is a concerted effort to distort the electoral process in favor of one political party. The outcome of this controversy could shape the future of electoral politics in India for years to come.
