Aland Vote Chori Scandal: SIT Exposes Mass Electoral Fraud
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Karnataka has uncovered a shocking case of electoral fraud in the Aland constituency. Over 6,000 voters were illegally removed from the rolls for just Rs 80 per deletion, igniting a political firestorm. The Congress has accused the BJP of orchestrating “vote chori” (vote theft) ahead of crucial by-elections.
Key Findings of the SIT Report
- 6,000+ voters deleted between 2021-2023, mostly from minority and backward communities.
- Bribery at Rs 80 per voter: Local officials and BLOs allegedly took bribes to forge deletions.
- Fraudulent methods: Fake “change of address” or “duplicate entry” claims used to remove voters.
- Many affected voters discovered their names missing only at polling booths.
Congress vs BJP: Political War Escalates
Congress Reactions:
– Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar called it a “BJP-led attack on democracy.”
– Alleged targeted deletions of Dalit, Muslim, and OBC voters to skew elections.
BJP’s Defense:
– Dismissed claims as “Congress conspiracy” to hide governance failures.
– State BJP chief BY Vijayendra asserted trust in the Election Commission’s neutrality.
Election Commission Under Fire
Former CEC SY Quraishi labeled the scam “deeply disturbing,” urging a nationwide audit of voter rolls. Critics question how such large-scale fraud went undetected.
Next Steps: Legal Action & Reinstatement
- SIT recommends criminal charges against 12 officials.
- EC may reinstate deleted voters and order a repoll if malpractice is proven.
Why This Matters
The scandal exposes critical vulnerabilities in India’s electoral system, raising concerns about cheap manipulation of democracy. With Aland’s by-election looming, the political clash is set to intensify.
Stay updated with the latest developments on this breaking story.
