At the ’Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod’ mega rally held at the Ramlila grounds, the Congress aimed to garner public backing following its defeat in Bihar. Rahul Gandhi pledged to remove the “Narendra Modi-RSS government” by adhering to the principles of truth and non-violence as exemplified by Mahatma Gandhi.
“This struggle is between ’satya’ and ’asatya’ (truth and untruth). We will support ’satya’ and expel Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and the RSS government from the nation. They possess ’satta’ (power) and partake in ’vote chori’,” he stated.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP leadership of being “gaddar” (traitors) for engaging in “vote theft,” asserting that they must be ousted to safeguard the Constitution and the country.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra similarly challenged the BJP to secure a fair election utilizing paper ballots and emphasized that the election commissioners must answer to the nation regarding their “conspiracy” to undermine public voting rights, rendering every aspect of the electoral process “suspicious.”
A significant turnout of Congress supporters from across India characterized the party’s massive rally against ’vote chori,’ where chants of ’vote chor, gaddi chhod’ echoed throughout the grounds. The party claimed to have amassed approximately six crore signatures protesting “vote theft,” which they intend to present to the President of India.
Prominent figures in attendance included Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, senior Congress leaders, and chief ministers from Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh – Siddaramaiah, Revanth Reddy, and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
In his speech, Rahul Gandhi called out Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, alleging their alignment with the BJP and association with falsehoods.
“Nafrat se nahin, hinsa se nahin, satya aur ahinsa ke saath (Not with hatred, not with violence, but with truth and non-violence), we will overcome Narendra Modi and Amit Shah,” Gandhi asserted.
On his social media platform X, Gandhi remarked, “Theft is embedded in the BJP’s DNA. Money theft – Land theft – Institution theft – Rights theft – Employment theft – Mandate theft – Government theft – Election theft – Vote theft. Stealing from the populace forms the ladder to power for the BJP.” He further claimed that this ’vote chori’ is more than mere vote theft; it constitutes an assault on B R Ambedkar’s Constitution.
“Had they not engaged in vote chori, you would have displaced them swiftly.” “Just as truth is part of your DNA, untruth and vote chori are ingrained in theirs,” Gandhi pronounced to the crowd’s applause.
Referencing a new law introduced by PM Modi to grant “immunity” to the EC, Gandhi remarked, “We are making it clear to you (election commissioners) that this law is designed to protect you, but we will amend this law retroactively and implement stringent measures against you.” He also criticized PM Modi, suggesting he has lost confidence as ’vote theft’ has been exposed, claiming Amit Shah’s hand trembled in Parliament. “Amit Shah exhibits courage only while in power. The moment he loses power, his bravery will dissipate,” the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha contended.
Kharge claimed the ideologies of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, MS Golwalkar, and Manusmriti pose a risk to the country, emphasizing that only Congress’s ideals can preserve it.
“The constituents of BJP-RSS are attempting to dismantle the Constitution. Under the guise of Hindutva, these individuals seek to re-enslave the impoverished,” he asserted.
“Conversely, it’s about vote chori. These individuals are ’gaddars,’ and you must eliminate these ’gaddar.’ If you wish to protect yourselves, oust these ’gaddar’… The BJP members are ’dramebaaz,’ solely investing in their personal propaganda,” Kharge concluded.
Addressing comments about Rahul Gandhi’s overseas travels, Kharge pointed out that Prime Minister Modi travels abroad while Parliament is in session, evading accountability.
“They have usurped ’gaddi’ through ’vote chori’. These gaddars must be cast aside. Will you remove them?” he asked.
“The seeds sown by RSS-BJP are perilous. What will the underprivileged do if they take away voting rights? They are impoverishing the poor and enriching the wealthy. Our battle is against RSS-BJP, and our fight is against those committing vote chori,” he stated.
Regarding Modi’s assertions of victory, Kharge remarked, “We faced losses in numerous localities, yet our party and ideology remain strong. If Modi suffers one loss, he will vanish without a trace.” “They stole our Vande Mataram, so do not place your trust in these thieves,” he urged, calling on everyone to bolster the party in this struggle for the people.
Focusing on the EC, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra claimed the BJP relies on the electoral body to secure victories.
“I challenge — the BJP should participate in a fair election via ballot paper once. They will never succeed, and the BJP is aware of this truth,” asserted Priyanka Gandhi.
She accused the chief election commissioner and the two election commissioners of “attacking” India’s democracy.
“For the first time in history, the entire opposition is declaring that they do not trust the EC, and the polls are not conducted properly,” she alleged. She also criticized that all institutions have been coerced into compliance with the government.
