Patna: Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of “systematically and deliberately trying to weaken democracy” in India, in response to his allegations of ‘vote chori’ (vote theft) against the Election Commission.
Speaking to reporters, the former Union law minister dismissed Gandhi’s claims as baseless. “Rahul Gandhi is trying to create anarchy in the country… he is systematically and deliberately trying to weaken democracy,” Prasad said.
Referring to Gandhi’s post on X regarding ‘vote chori,’ Prasad added, “He wrote that the youth, students, and ‘Gen Z’ will save the Constitution, protect democracy, and stop ‘vote theft.’ What does he mean? He is simply promoting violence in the country, which is highly condemnable.”
Prasad further alleged that Gandhi has been repeatedly making false, mischievous, and misleading claims against the government and constitutional bodies, thereby undermining the dignity of his position as the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha. He argued that Gandhi’s attacks on the Election Commission reflect the Congress party’s lack of faith in Indian democracy.
The BJP leader also referenced Gandhi’s specific allegation that voters’ names were deleted through software manipulation and fake applications in Karnataka’s Aland seat during the 2023 assembly elections. “I must advise Rahul Gandhi to do proper homework before levelling such allegations,” Prasad said, noting that the Election Commission had already investigated the matter in 2023.
He added, “The Congress is in power in Karnataka. Their candidate won from Aland, yet Rahul Gandhi is raising questions about the victory of his own party MLA? In any case, the matter is pending before the court.”
Prasad accused Gandhi of questioning parliamentary elections held in 2014, 2019, and 2024, calling it an abuse of voters’ democratic choice. “Congress leaders will have to face the consequences. We will respond through the democratic process, and they will face a humiliating defeat in the coming polls,” he said.
Gandhi’s latest claims targeted the Election Commission, urging it to stop protecting “vote chors” and provide, within a week, information sought by the Karnataka CID regarding alleged deletion of 6,018 voters’ names in Aland during the 2023 polls. He also cited Maharashtra’s Rajura constituency, claiming that 6,850 voters were added fraudulently using automated software.
