August 3, 2025

NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, intensified his criticism of the Election Commission (EC) on Friday, claiming that his party has collected what he termed an "atom bomb" of evidence indicating that the EC is aiding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in manipulating voters' choices. This allegation was made during a day when the joint opposition, led by Gandhi, wrote a formal letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging an immediate review of the electoral rolls concerning the upcoming elections in Bihar. In the letter, which bears the signatures of several opposition parties including Congress, DMK, NCP-SP, RSP, SS-UBT, SP, TMC, and RJD, the opposition expressed concerns regarding the timing, transparency, and intent behind the EC's latest revision of electoral rolls just ahead of elections. They stated that this issue directly impacts the "right to vote" and emphasizes the need for a debate on maintaining free and fair elections. During a press briefing on the accusations about the Congress probe, particularly looking into the voters' list for the Bangalore Rural Lok Sabha seat, Gandhi suggested that the EC's actions could severely tarnish its reputation. "What we found is an atom bomb; I mean, the Election Commission will be blown away when that atom bomb explodes," he stated confidently. This marks a significant escalation in Gandhi's ongoing narrative about the integrity of the electoral process in India, especially following the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra last year, where he believes irregularities may have occurred. Asserting his stance, Rahul Gandhi warned that officials participating in the alleged vote theft would face serious consequences. He stated, "You are working against India, which is treason. Remember, wherever you are, whether retired or whatever, we will find you." His remarks underscore a broader approach by the Congress party to confront the ruling BJP head-on regarding election integrity. The joint opposition feels that addressing these electoral roll issues is vital, especially with the national exercise implemented by the EC that could further complicate the integrity of the elections. The opposition had previously raised this as a priority for discussion, but the government has yet to announce a date for a parliamentary debate on the matter. In response to Rahul Gandhi's bombastic claims, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra dismissed the accusations. He sarcastically advised Gandhi to "flow like water instead of exploding like a bomb," reinforcing their stance that the Congress party lacks faith in the democratic process. Patra emphasized, "If they explode a bomb, we will save the Constitution," demonstrating the BJP's aim to position itself as the defender of democratic values against the allegations made by the opposition. As the political tension rises in the lead-up to the Bihar elections, the accusations from Gandhi and the subsequent reactions from the BJP highlight the ongoing battle between these major political factions in India. With the election period approaching swiftly, the emphasis on electoral integrity and transparency is likely to remain at the forefront of political discussions.

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Tags: Rahul gandhi, Congress, Bihar elections, Electoral rolls, Vote theft, Opposition, Bjp,