 "Rahul Gandhi warns EC over voter list changes: 'We are coming for you'")
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday issued a sharp warning to the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing it of voter roll manipulation during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha declared that the opposition would hold the poll body accountable.
“I want to send a message to the Election Commission: If you think you are going to get away with it… you are mistaken. You are not going to get away with it, because we are going to come for you,” Gandhi said after the Lok Sabha was adjourned.
Claims of electoral fraud in Karnataka constituency
Gandhi further alleged that the ECI had permitted irregularities in at least one Karnataka constituency, pointing to skewed voter additions. He claimed that while names of young, eligible voters were being deleted, individuals aged 50, 60, and 65 were being added.
“Today we have 100 per cent proof of the Election Commission allowing cheating in a seat in Karnataka. We just looked at one constituency and we found this,” he said.
Opposition terms revision drive ‘murder of democracy’
Gandhi was joined by leaders from parties including the Samajwadi Party and DMK in condemning the revision exercise. The opposition claims the SIR process disproportionately targets voters from marginalised communities and could suppress anti-government votes ahead of the Bihar elections.
Opposition MPs staged protests in Parliament premises, holding placards that read “SIR is the murder of democracy” and chanting “Justice, justice, justice”. They continued their protest in both Houses for a fourth consecutive day, demanding a full debate on the revision process.
Gandhi reiterated that the ECI was failing in its constitutional role. “The Election Commission is not functioning as the Election Commission of India. Today they made some statement — this is complete nonsense,” he added.
CEC defends drive, cites constitutional responsibility
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar defended the revision, stating that a clean and accurate voter list was foundational to democratic integrity. “Isn’t a pure voter list being prepared by the Election Commission through a transparent process, the foundation for fair elections and a strong democracy?” he said.
Kumar also noted that retaining invalid or outdated entries in electoral rolls would violate constitutional principles.
(With agency inputs)