New Delhi | Nov 5, 2025 – In a high-octane press conference on Wednesday, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a blistering attack on the electoral process, accusing the BJP and the Election Commission of orchestrating what he termed massive “vote chori” (vote theft).
He claimed systematic manipulation of voter lists in states such as Haryana and Karnataka, alleging that the ruling parties used “duplicate, fake and bulk entries” to subvert election results.
According to Gandhi’s presentation:
- In Haryana, around 25 lakh alleged fake votes were identified — including over five lakh duplicate entries, nearly one lakh invalid addresses, and more than nineteen lakh bulk or cluster entries.
- In Karnataka’s Mahadevapura and Aland segments, he alleged over one lakh “fake votes” and cited cases of foreign nationals appearing in electoral rolls multiple times.
- Gandhi argued the process was “centralised” and involved deletion of legitimate voters while adding bogus ones, especially targeting opposition-leaning constituencies.
The Congress also released a video titled “Booth par Vote Chori” (Vote theft at the polling booth), showing a dramatized version of how votes are allegedly being stolen. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge warned that voter rights and democracy itself were being compromised.
⚠️ Electoral Watchdog’s Response
The Election Commission has responded sharply, describing the term “vote chori” as a “dirty word” that defames millions of voters and poll workers. It urged Gandhi to submit proof via a signed affidavit rather than making blanket accusations.
The EC maintained that the principle of one person, one vote is enshrined in Indian law and said any case of duplicate voting must follow legal procedures, not media theatrics.
🧩 Political Fallout & Implications
- Opposition Unity Deepens: Several regional parties, including Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray, echoed Gandhi’s allegations and called for rigorous verification of voter rolls.
- Government Pushback: BJP leaders questioned the logic of the claims, pointing out that the Congress secured its highest vote share in years — a contradiction if “vote theft” had truly occurred.
- Electoral Integrity Questioned: The controversy has renewed debate over India’s electoral transparency and the functioning of the Election Commission.
- Legal/Procedural Gap: Political analysts note that although Gandhi presented charts and data, formal complaints or affidavits are yet to be filed — leaving the claims untested legally.
✅ What to Watch Next
The potential impact on upcoming state elections, including in Bihar, where Gandhi has warned of similar “vote chori” tactics.
Whether Rahul Gandhi or Congress submit affidavits with detailed evidence to the Election Commission.
Whether the EC launches investigations into the alleged discrepancies.
Whether state governments initiate audits or judicial reviews of voter rolls.
