Rahul Gandhi Alleges Widespread 'Vote Chori' in India
New Delhi, India – Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held a press conference on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the AICC Indira Bhawan headquarters in Delhi, where he presented allegations of widespread 'vote chori' (vote theft) and systematic manipulation of electoral rolls across India. Gandhi claimed that millions of voters, particularly from communities such as Dalits, Adivasis, and minorities, were being targeted for deletion or fraudulent addition through a centrally coordinated operation.
Evidence Presented from Karnataka and Maharashtra
During the presser, Gandhi cited specific instances to support his claims:
- In Karnataka's Aland constituency, he alleged an attempt to delete 6,018 votes using centralized software and phone numbers originating from outside the state. He stated that this attempt was caught 'by coincidence'.
- For Maharashtra's Rajura Assembly constituency, Gandhi claimed irregularities involving the addition of 6,850 fake entries online.
- He reiterated earlier allegations from August 2025 concerning the Mahadevapura assembly segment in Karnataka, where he had claimed over one lakh votes were 'stolen' during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Gandhi asserted that these deletions were not random but specifically targeted areas considered Congress strongholds.
Accusations Leveled Against Chief Election Commissioner
A significant part of Gandhi's address focused on direct accusations against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Gandhi alleged that the CEC is 'protecting vote chors and the people who have destroyed Indian democracy'. He further claimed that the Election Commission (EC) had stalled an investigation by the Karnataka CID into the alleged voter deletions, despite 18 letters being sent by the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer over 18 months seeking information.
'Hydrogen Bomb' Revelations Still Pending
While the press conference was anticipated to reveal a 'hydrogen bomb' of allegations, Gandhi indicated that the full extent of his revelations is yet to come. He stated, 'We will present the hydrogen bomb,' and added that he would not step on stage without '100% proof'. Gandhi mentioned that his team would take 'two to three months to finish these presentations', promising more 'explosive proof' in the future to demonstrate that 'elections are being stolen across states in India'.
Election Commission and BJP Refute Allegations
In response to Gandhi's claims, the Election Commission of India issued a statement calling the allegations 'incorrect and baseless'. The EC clarified that no deletion of votes can occur online or without providing the affected person an opportunity to be heard.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also strongly refuted Gandhi's accusations. BJP MP Anurag Thakur accused Rahul Gandhi of 'levelling baseless charges' and attempting to 'weaken democracy' and 'mislead citizens'. Thakur further suggested that Gandhi was trying to create a situation akin to those seen in Nepal and Bangladesh.
5 Comments
Coccinella
The accusation against the CEC is very serious and should not be made lightly, as it undermines a key democratic institution. Both sides must present their evidence clearly for public scrutiny, rather than relying on future promises of revelations.
Muchacho
Where's the 'hydrogen bomb'? Just more empty promises and drama.
ZmeeLove
The EC's silence is deafening. Clearly, they're complicit in these deletions.
Habibi
While the allegations of vote deletion are serious and warrant investigation, Gandhi's claims of 'systematic' manipulation need irrefutable proof beyond anecdotal evidence to be fully credible.
Africa
It's concerning to hear about alleged voter deletions, especially targeting specific communities, but the Election Commission's refutation also needs to be considered. A transparent, independent inquiry is essential to clarify the truth.