New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday intensified his criticism of the government over alleged irregularities in the Election Commission’s functioning, saying the Opposition was collecting evidence and intended to place it before President Droupadi Murmu.
Speaking to reporters ahead of a planned INDIA bloc march towards the Supreme Court, Rahul said the protests were part of a sustained political movement rather than separate, unconnected demonstrations. He reiterated the Opposition’s demand for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while also targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Rahul claimed that several people associated with the government had contacted individuals close to him. He maintained that he had nothing to conceal from the public and said the Opposition would continue to pursue the matter.
Opposition Vows to Continue Its Campaign
Rejecting the idea that the demonstrations were being conducted without a common direction, Rahul described them as part of a broader effort to challenge what the Opposition alleges are serious flaws in the electoral system.
He also spoke about a conversation with his sister and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who had reportedly suggested planning the next steps of the campaign. Rahul said he viewed the movement as an ongoing struggle that would require persistence rather than a fixed sequence of protests.
Referring to an earlier demonstration at Akashvani Bhawan, he argued that the campaign’s direction would evolve according to circumstances. He asserted that the Opposition would not abandon its demands and would continue its resistance for as long as necessary.
Rahul Repeats ‘Vote Chori’ Allegation
The Congress leader also returned to his allegation of “vote chori”, or electoral malpractice, days after submitting a memorandum to President Murmu.
Rahul claimed that the President’s office had not rejected his allegations and alleged that a denial had instead come discreetly from the Prime Minister’s Office. His remarks added another dimension to the Opposition’s ongoing confrontation with the government over the conduct of elections.
The allegations remain part of the political dispute, with Rahul calling for greater accountability and action over the issues raised by the Opposition.
Claims of Information Sharing by Government Officials
During the press conference, Rahul made another significant claim, alleging that approximately 200 officials from various government agencies and departments were sharing information with the Opposition.
He specifically referred to officials associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). These claims were made by Rahul during his address and were not independently established in the information provided.
He said the Opposition’s campaign would continue until, in its view, constitutional principles were protected and its demand concerning the Chief Election Commissioner was addressed. He also called for accountability for individuals whom he accused of wrongdoing.
INDIA Bloc Plans Supreme Court Move
Rahul urged supporters to participate in the planned march and appealed to those unable to attend physically to express their solidarity. According to his announcement, INDIA bloc leaders were expected to reach the Supreme Court at 3 pm to file a petition, while the march was scheduled to begin earlier in the afternoon.
Arguing that the government faced internal challenges, Rahul said the Opposition would remain committed to its campaign regardless of how long it took.
The planned legal move and the continuing protests signal an escalation in the Opposition’s efforts to raise concerns about the electoral process. The allegations made by Rahul and the INDIA bloc are expected to remain a point of political contention as the matter proceeds through public demonstrations and legal channels.
