Leaders of the INDIA bloc will convene in Parliament at 10:15 am on Tuesday to finalise their strategy for the day’s proceedings, against the backdrop of an intensifying political storm over allegations of “vote theft.”
On Monday, opposition parties sharply criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) over alleged irregularities in previous assembly and general elections. Tensions escalated further after opposition MPs were detained by Delhi Police while protesting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar. The protest was sparked by claims of voter list manipulation, with MPs being stopped from marching to the EC office.
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has been at the forefront of the accusations, alleging large-scale electoral malpractice. The ruling BJP has dismissed the allegations, accusing the opposition of creating “anarchy” and acting “against the Constitution.”
The ECI has demanded that Gandhi submit an affidavit to substantiate his claims or issue a public apology. Gandhi, however, has refused, calling the affidavit demand a “distraction” and insisting the data in question originated from the Commission itself.
“This is their data, not mine. Put it on your website and the truth will be clear. This issue is not limited to Bengaluru—it’s happening in several constituencies,” Gandhi told reporters.
Congress MP Amar Singh echoed the sentiment, stating, “The Election Commission avoids answering questions, and instead, the BJP responds on its behalf. This proves that the EC and the government are one.”
