Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, once again repeating his claims about "vote chori" and alleging that elections are being rigged in the country.
The Opposition leader's remarks came after an investigative report by The Indian Express stated that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi recorded objections to decisions taken in the poll panel's name at least 14 times over 10 months.
Rahul said Gyanesh Kumar was chosen by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “Now, the two Election Commissioners are saying CEC Gyanesh Kumar is responsible for chaos and damage to our voting system. The two ECs started opposing the CEC after Congress began raising 'vote chori' issue in Maharashtra, Haryana,” he claimed.
“I can say with certainty that Indian elections – 2024 Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha polls – were all rigged. Anti-incumbency happens with Congress and regional parties, but for some reason it disappears when BJP is ruling,” alleged the top Congress leader.
Calling for Kumar's resgination, the Opposition leader said a person destroying India's vote is a traitor. “This is an act against Indian state and people. We refuse to sit silent. After vote theft, comes theft of laws and from it the theft of government organisations. “Today vote is gone, so is law-making system. Any law made by MPs winning through 'vote chori' is illegal,” Rahul alleged.
“The two ECs have done wise thing, Gyanesh Kumar should think seriously and turn approver, it'll be in country's interest,” he added.
Rahul said both Modi and Shah should be investigated for conspiracy to steal elections, adding that the people of India will not let democracy be demolished, nor will they remain silent.
“Fact is the PM aand home minister have attacked and destroyed democratic architecture of this country. They both talk of BJP remaining in power for 30 or 50 years, but no political leader ever talked like this,” the Congress leader claimed.
Rahul pointed out that he had given a dissent note during the CEC appointment process, saying it should be independent and free from executive control, but he claimed it was junked. “No matter what happens, we are not going to let this crime go unanswered,” he added.
