Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi’s latest remarks alleging “vote theft” and systematic assault on India’s democratic institution has added fuel to ongoing controversy about vote theft.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Congress leader of maligning India’s electoral system and institutions on foreign soil, calling his comments irresponsible and anti-national.
What Rahul Gandhi said
Speaking at a lecture at the Hertie School in Berlin, the Leader of Opposition claimed there was a “full-scale assault” on India’s institutional framework under the BJP-led government.
Gandhi alleged that while the Congress won the Haryana Assembly elections in 2024, the Maharashtra Assembly elections held the same year were “not fair”.
He said the party had raised concerns with the Election Commission of India (ECI) but received no response.
The Congress leader also alleged that central agencies such as the ED and CBI had been “weaponised” against political opponents.
BJP hits back
The BJP strongly criticised Gandhi for reiterating allegations of electoral manipulation abroad.
Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia questioned Gandhi’s meetings in Germany, accusing him of associating with individuals having an “anti-India agenda” and of repeatedly undermining India’s sovereignty and democratic institutions during foreign visits.
