Rajasthan Congress Launches 'Vote Chor - Gaddi Chhod' March Amid Allegations of Electoral Fraud
Congress March in Jaipur Highlights Allegations Against BJP
Jaipur, Aug 13: The Rajasthan Congress, under the leadership of President Govind Singh Dotasra, conducted a foot march titled ‘Vote Chor - Gaddi Chhod’ from their headquarters to Shaheed Smarak in Jaipur on Wednesday. This event was organized in response to allegations that the BJP is attempting to downplay issues related to vote theft, following claims made by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, regarding widespread electoral fraud in the nation.
Prominent figures at the march included former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, AICC General Secretary Sachin Pilot, and various Congress MLAs and candidates, alongside numerous party supporters.
During his address, Dotasra asserted that Rahul Gandhi's statements have revealed that the BJP-led Central government was established through fraudulent voting practices.
He stated, “The chant ‘Vote Chor – Gaddi Chhod’ resonates throughout the country. The BJP is undermining democracy by seizing power through illegitimate votes and by removing countless opposition voters from the electoral rolls under the pretext of SIR.”
Dotasra further claimed that numerous constituencies in Rajasthan have been impacted by vote theft and criticized the Election Commission for not providing the Congress party with the digital voter list despite multiple requests.
“Our leaders are committed to unveiling this fraud in Rajasthan. It will soon be evident that Rahul Gandhi's allegations hold true,” he emphasized.
He announced plans for a significant public movement against vote theft, stating that on August 14 at 8 PM, District Congress Committees will organize a ‘Vote Chor – Gaddi Chhod’ candle march at all district headquarters, followed by campaigns to raise public awareness.
Dotasra accused BJP leaders of behaving like dictators, breaching the Constitution, and employing tactics such as “Saam-Daam-Dand-Bhed” to maintain their grip on power.
“We will extend this campaign to every village and locality in the state,” he vowed.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed his participation in the march, stating that the entire nation is awakening to the alleged #VoteChori facilitated by the Election Commission in favor of the BJP.
In comments to the media, Sachin Pilot criticized the BJP for not addressing the allegations and instead demanding an affidavit from Rahul Gandhi. “The government should refrain from interfering. The Election Commission has a moral and constitutional obligation to ensure the authenticity of every vote. We have merely requested an investigation, yet they refuse,” he remarked.
Pilot alleged that in certain constituencies, thousands of votes have been tampered with, including the addition of fake names and addresses while genuine voters have been removed.
He questioned the removal of a member from the process, the withholding of voter lists, and the destruction of CCTV footage, labeling it an effort to eliminate evidence.
“When Rahul Gandhi revealed the theft, the Election Commission remained silent while the BJP defended it. What authority does the BJP possess? The Election Commission is the essence of democracy and must safeguard it. Instead, notices are issued, affidavits demanded, and leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge are detained,” Pilot stated.
He reiterated that the Congress party has presented evidence of irregularities.
“The silence from the Election Commission suggests there is something to conceal. This campaign is not merely a one-day protest but a prolonged struggle. Tomorrow, candle marches and nationwide protests will occur. This is about preserving India’s democracy. Wins and losses are part of elections, but the deletion of genuine votes and the compromise of the Election Commission’s independence pose a serious threat to the nation,” he concluded.