Omar Abdullah Distances INDIA Alliance from Congress's Vote Theft Allegations

Omar Abdullah Addresses Vote Theft Claims

On Tuesday, Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified that the INDIA alliance is not associated with the Congress party's alleged 'vote theft' campaign. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah emphasized that the alliance has no connection to this issue, asserting that every political party has the right to define its own political agenda. He noted that Congress has made 'vote theft' a central political issue, while the alliance will choose its own topics.

In response, BJP leader Shashank Mani remarked that Abdullah seems to misunderstand the purpose of the 'vote theft' campaign, which is aimed at updating the voter list rather than targeting individuals.

BJP's Perspective on Voter List Updates

Mani further stated that Abdullah recognizes that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) aims to present an accurate voter list, not to harm anyone. He believes that this is fundamentally about electoral reforms, suggesting that individuals will continue to distance themselves from the INDIA alliance.

He added that the amendment process is a step towards ensuring transparency in voter lists and strengthening democratic processes in the union territory.

Congress Intensifies Campaign Against Alleged Electoral Irregularities

On Sunday, Congress organized a rally titled 'Vote Thief, Step Down' at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, intensifying its campaign against alleged electoral irregularities. The party sharpened its focus on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.

During his speech at the rally, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi vowed to amend the 'Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Bill, 2023' and promised action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Election Commissioner Sukbir Sandhu, and Vivek Joshi upon Congress's return to power.

Call for Accountability in Election Commission

Gandhi urged attendees to remember the names: Sukbir Sandhu, Gyanesh Kumar, and Vivek Joshi, accusing the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP. He claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has altered laws to protect these officials from accountability, stating, 'Do not forget that you are the Election Commission of India, not Modi's.' He pledged to change this law and take action against them, asserting that they are fighting for the truth.