Cong launches ‘Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod’ padyatra in Chhattisgarh
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Photo: X / @SachinPilot
Raipur: The Congress on Tuesday began a three-day padyatra in Chhattisgarh, called the “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod Abhiyan” (thief of votes, give up the seat), marching from Raigarh to raise awareness about alleged irregularities in voter lists.
The campaign opened with a public meeting led by state in-charge Sachin Pilot, followed by a signature drive.
Pilot accused the BJP of “stealing votes” and faulted the Election Commission for ignoring evidence of electoral misconduct. He said people must be alert and ready to defend their rights as voters, adding that while democracy is respected, any attempt to undermine it will not be tolerated.
Party leaders also emphasised that the evidence presented by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on flaws in the electoral rolls and voting process was serious and cast doubt on the integrity of recent elections, TNIE reported.
Chhattisgarh home minister Vijay Sharma countered the Congress campaign, saying the party should not mislead people or create confusion under the banner of “voter theft.”
The three-day padyatra, which began in Raigarh, will travel through Korba, Takhatpur, Mungeli, Bemetara, Rajnandgaon, and Durg before concluding in Bhilai on September 18, covering more than 530 km.
According to Congress media cell chairman Sushil Anand Shukla, the programme will include marches on foot, signature drives, torchlight processions, motorcycle rallies, and public gatherings.
State Congress chief Deepak Baij alleged that the credibility of the Election Commission had been in doubt for several years, questioning its refusal to provide digital voter lists to political parties. He claimed that elections were being manipulated and votes stolen.
The padyatra is set to feature prominent leaders including Leader of Opposition Charandas Mahant, former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, former deputy CM T.S. Singhdeo, and party secretaries S. Sampat, Jarita Laitphlang, and Vijay Jangid, alongside other senior leaders, office bearers, and supporters.