Rahul Gandhi Alleges “Vote Theft” by BJP and EC in Haryana
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission (EC), accusing them of “vote theft” in Haryana during the recent Lok Sabha elections. Addressing a youth conclave in Delhi, Gandhi called on India’s Gen Z to recognize what he termed “systematic attempts to subvert democracy” and demanded an inquiry into alleged electoral irregularities.
Key Allegations: EVM Malfunctions and Voter Data Discrepancies
Gandhi claimed that EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) glitches and unexplained voter turnout inconsistencies favored the BJP in key Haryana constituencies like Faridabad and Gurgaon.
“I want India’s GenZ to understand how their future is being stolen,” he said, alleging opposition agents were denied access during vote counting.
He also questioned the EC’s refusal to share Form 17C (vote tally records), calling it a breach of electoral transparency.
BJP and EC’s Response: “False Narratives”
The BJP dismissed Gandhi’s claims as “baseless conspiracy theories.” Union Minister Anurag Thakur countered:
“Congress is inventing excuses to hide its electoral rout. Haryana chose Modi’s development over their corruption.”
The EC defended its conduct, stating all electoral norms were followed.
GenZ Reacts: Social Media Erupts with #SaveOurVotes
Gandhi’s appeal resonated with young voters, sparking trends like #ElectionTransparency, which garnered 100K+ tweets. A Chandigarh student activist said:
“If votes aren’t safe, what’s left of democracy?”
Experts Weigh In: Need for Evidence and Trust
Political analyst Neerja Chowdhury urged caution:
“Allegations require proof. The EC must clarify doubts to preserve credibility.”
Former CEC S.Y. Quraishi emphasized the EC’s independence, tweeting:
“Transparency is non-negotiable for democracy.”
What’s Next? Legal Battles and Youth Mobilization
The Congress plans legal action, while the BJP insists the matter is settled. For Gen Z, the controversy raises a critical question: Can India’s electoral system be trusted?
— Reporting by NextMinuteNews Political Desk
