Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's fresh allegations have stirred political turmoil in Maharashtra. He raised the issue of widespread anomalies in the voter lists across assembly constituencies, claiming that 'vote theft' is undermining democracy. Following his allegations of 'vote theft' in several parts of the country, including a Maharashtra assembly seat, the opposition has demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Rahul Gandhi cited the Chandrapur district's Rajura assembly seat in Maharashtra as an example, alleging that automated software was used to manipulate votes.
He raised grave concerns against the Election Commission, accusing Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of 'protecting those who undermine democracy.' Gandhi claimed that the names of Congress supporters are systematically being removed from the voter lists.
Read also: As Rahul Gandhi shows evidence of 'vote theft' from Karnataka and Maharashtra, is he setting the stage for Bihar's electoral battle?
Opposition demands resignation of CM
The Congress and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) have demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over this issue. Maharashtra Congress President Harshavardhan Sapkal claimed voter tampering involving 6,850 votes in the Rajura assembly area and noted that the matter has led to an FIR by the state police.
Speaking with PTI, he said, “Given that even the police under Fadnavis's Home Department has confirmed manipulation, the ruling coalition lacks the moral right to stay in power.” Sapkal insisted, “Rahul Gandhi has once again shown how democracy is being destroyed in Maharashtra. Fadnavis should open his eyes and step down immediately.”
NCP (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto accused the process of name removal from voter lists as suspicious, questioning the credibility of the Election Commission. Demanding an independent investigation, he asked, “How is the ECI portal so easily hackable, or is there an internal conspiracy?”
Read also: How Rahul Gandhi's stance on the 'vote theft' issue evolved from an 'atom bomb' to a 'hydrogen bomb'
NDA dismisses allegations
On the other hand, the ruling BJP and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) dismissed Rahul Gandhi's accusations as 'baseless' and 'childish.' BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhyay labeled him the 'king of vote theft,' demanding an apology while emphasizing that mere press conferences won’t prove anything, and Congress should follow legal avenues.
Ajit Pawar-led NCP's Maharashtra President Sunil Tatkare termed these allegations as 'immature.' Speaking in Nagpur, he said Congress is unable to digest the 'massive defeat' in the November 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections, hence making such accusations. He added, voters are wise enough to see through the narratives spun by the 'India' alliance and Rahul Gandhi.
