BJP govt stealing votes of Dalits, minorities: Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the NDA government over the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in election-bound Bihar, alleging that the BJP, RSS, and the Election Commission were involved in what he described as “vote theft” across the country, according to reports.

Speaking at a public rally in Ara during the “Voter Adhikar Yatra,” Gandhi reportedly said the SIR was an attack on both the Constitution and the nation’s democratic framework. He asserted that the Opposition’s INDIA bloc would not allow such actions to continue.

Gandhi was quoted as saying that voting is the right of Dalits, minorities, and women, but accused the Narendra Modi government of “stealing votes” to secure electoral victories. He emphasised that the right to vote is constitutionally guaranteed and cannot be taken away from the people.

He further claimed that the Yatra, which began in Bihar, would grow into a nationwide movement aimed at safeguarding citizens’ voting rights, TNIE reported.

During his speech, holding a copy of the Constitution, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha alleged that the BJP had previously managed to “steal votes” in states like Maharashtra, Haryana, and other parts of the country, according to reports.

He said the Congress had remained silent earlier due to a lack of concrete evidence but claimed that they now possess proof to substantiate their allegations.

Gandhi further accused the central government of working primarily to benefit big businessmen and corporate houses, naming Adani and Ambani. He asserted that this was the reason the government wanted to “suppress the voice of the poor,” but assured that the Opposition’s INDIA bloc would not allow it.

The Congress MP also alleged that the Modi government planned to privatise public sector units to favour large corporations while simultaneously depriving the youth of employment opportunities through the Agniveer scheme.