New Delhi, Nov 1: Opposition parties under the INDIA alliance held a massive protest rally at Ramlila Maidan in central Delhi, raising concerns over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The opposition leaders demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing the Election Commission of failing to function independently and protect voters’ rights.
The rally, titled ‘Chalo Delhi – Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’, was attended by senior opposition leaders, including Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee, CPI(M) leader M.A. Baby, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, among others.
The opposition alleged that irregularities in voter lists and the removal of eligible voters’ names could undermine free and fair elections in the country.
Bhatti Vikramarka Accuses Election Commission of Losing Independence
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka criticised the Election Commission, alleging that it was not functioning independently and was acting in line with the interests of the BJP-led central government.
Addressing the gathering at Ramlila Maidan, Bhatti Vikramarka said the Special Intensive Revision process was raising serious concerns about the voting rights of eligible citizens.
He noted that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had been highlighting alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and questioning the functioning of the Election Commission for the past five to six years.
According to Bhatti Vikramarka, what was initially dismissed by some as a political allegation had now become a matter of concern, with objections reportedly emerging from within the Election Commission itself.
He stressed that the constitutional body must make independent decisions and ensure that every eligible citizen can exercise their right to vote without discrimination.
Alleged Removal of 20,000 to 25,000 Votes Per Constituency
Bhatti Vikramarka alleged that efforts had been made to remove around 20,000 to 25,000 votes in each constituency.
He argued that such deletions could significantly influence election results, particularly in closely contested constituencies where the victory margin is relatively small.
He also said Congress candidates had won some constituencies with margins of 40,000 to 60,000 votes despite the alleged deletions. According to him, their victory margins could have been higher if the names of eligible voters had not been removed.
Bhatti Vikramarka emphasised that protecting the right to vote was essential to safeguarding democracy and the constitutional principles established by Dr B.R. Ambedkar.
He called on citizens across the country to unite in defence of democratic institutions and electoral rights.
Rahul Gandhi Alleges Vote Theft in Indian Elections
Addressing the rally, Congress leader, leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP-led central government of benefiting wealthy individuals while ordinary citizens continued to face economic difficulties.
Rahul Gandhi alleged that electoral manipulation had taken place in several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. He also raised concerns about the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and electoral rolls during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
According to Rahul Gandhi, voter list irregularities had become a serious threat to India’s democratic system. He claimed that 13.5 crore voter names had been removed after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and alleged that approximately 15% of the country’s electorate had been affected.
These figures were presented as part of his allegations at the rally and would require independent verification.
Rahul Gandhi also pointed to the narrow vote-share difference between the NDA and opposition parties in the 2024 general elections, arguing that even a limited number of voter deletions could affect electoral outcomes.
Rahul Gandhi Says Those Responsible Must Face Legal Action
Rahul Gandhi said the opposition would continue its fight against alleged electoral irregularities and seek legal action against those found responsible.
He warned that the opposition would not allow democratic institutions to be weakened or the Constitution to be undermined.
Describing alleged vote theft as more than an ordinary electoral offence, Rahul Gandhi said it amounted to taking away citizens’ voices in a democracy.
He also alleged that institutions such as the education and healthcare systems, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the judiciary and the police were facing increasing political influence.
Rahul Gandhi raised concerns about unemployment, farmers’ problems, workers’ rights and the concentration of national wealth among a small number of industrialists.
He criticised the alleged preferential treatment given to major industrialists, including Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, while ordinary citizens continued to face economic challenges.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Privatisation and Economic Inequality
Rahul Gandhi also opposed the concentration of control over key national assets, including airports, railways, electricity infrastructure and other public resources, in the hands of a few private players.
He said the opposition wanted an India where farmers, students, workers and young people received fair opportunities and benefited from their hard work.
He reiterated that the movement was not limited to a single political party but represented broader concerns about democracy, constitutional rights and economic justice.
Rahul Gandhi said the opposition would continue to demand accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the allegations raised concerning electoral processes.
He also stated that the opposition’s fight was not driven by personal enmity but by its demand for accountability and justice.
‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ Campaign Gains Opposition Support
The INDIA alliance’s rally at Ramlila Maidan focused on protecting voting rights, ensuring the independence of the Election Commission and addressing alleged irregularities in electoral rolls.
Opposition leaders called for greater transparency in the voter-list revision process and stronger safeguards to ensure that eligible citizens were not unfairly excluded from electoral rolls.
The rally also highlighted wider concerns about democratic institutions, political accountability and economic inequality.
The opposition said it would continue its campaign to protect voters’ rights and demand answers from the authorities over the allegations raised during the protest.
