Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed on Wednesday that every sixth BJP MP in the Lok Sabha won their seat through ‘vote chori’ and questioned whether these representatives should be termed ‘ghuspethiya’, a phrase originating from the BJP’s own narrative.
Speaking to the media, Gandhi emphasized the seriousness of his accusation, asserting, “If fair elections were held, BJP wouldn’t manage even 140 seats today.” He based his assertion on a calculated assessment of the BJP’s total strength in the Lok Sabha.
Gandhi’s statements came during his ongoing critique of the BJP, focusing particularly on allegations of electoral malpractice. He quoted the figure of 240 BJP MPs currently occupying Lok Sabha seats, suggesting that around 40 of these secured their positions through dubious means.
In a Twitter post, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha emphasized, “Theft of votes occurs in various forms—sometimes affecting individual seats, and other times impacting entire governments. We must call out this ‘vote chori’.” His remarks suggested a systematic issue within the electoral framework.
The Congress leader expanded his criticism beyond mere allegations of vote theft. He pointed out the state of Haryana, referring to the BJP-led government there as a ‘ghuspethiya’, implying a deeper concern about governance and electoral integrity.
“The very institutions that should guarantee free elections, the ones exploited to manipulate voter lists, have become ‘remote-controlled’,” Gandhi charged. He stressed a need for accountability in political processes, advocating for a more transparent electoral system.
On various occasions, Gandhi has expressed his concerns regarding the BJP’s victories, particularly in recent assembly elections in states like Bengal and Assam. He interpreted these wins as a significant threat to Indian democracy.
“Their real fear is the truth,” he once tweeted. “If fair elections were to be held, I firmly believe they wouldn’t secure even 140 seats.” This assertion raised eyebrows and ignited further debate over the electoral strategies employed by the ruling party.
After the recently declared assembly results indicated BJP’s successful bids in both Bengal and Assam, Gandhi condemned the party’s approach and called the victories a ‘theft’ of the voters’ mandate. He strongly advocated for a unified response to safeguard the integrity of democracy, urging all political stakeholders to recognize the urgency of the situation.
“While some celebrate the decline of the TMC, they must realize that their laughter hides a grave issue—BJP’s maneuvering threatens the very foundation of democracy,” he stated in a post, highlighting the implications of these election results.
Ultimately, he called for unity among opposition parties against what he sees as a growing authoritarian trend under the BJP regime. “Let’s put petty politics aside. This isn’t merely about one party versus another; it’s about protecting the essence of India,” Gandhi concluded, reinforcing his commitment to electoral reform.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Gandhi’s assertions could stir significant discourse on electoral integrity in India, especially during the rapid succession of upcoming state and national elections.
