Rahul Gandhi Alleges ‘Vote Chori’, Says BJP–EC Colluding to Undermine Democracy; BJP’s Dubey Counters Claim

By A Staff Reporter

A fresh political confrontation erupted on Tuesday after Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP and the Election Commission were “colluding to destroy democracy” by enabling what he called “vote chori” (vote theft). His remarks, shared in a social media post, intensified the ongoing debate over the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and electoral reforms.

“Vote Chori is the most serious anti-national act. वोट चोरी सबसे बड़ा देशद्रोह है। India is not only the biggest but the greatest democracy in the world. BJP and the Election Commission are colluding to destroy our democracy and rob people of their voice,” Gandhi posted, triggering a sharp political backlash.

Responding in the Lok Sabha, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey criticised Gandhi’s allegations, calling them baseless and historically inconsistent. Participating in a discussion on election reforms, the Godda MP argued that the Congress was the first party to introduce EVMs in the country, beginning with a pilot project initiated by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1987. He added that the Narasimha Rao government later expanded the use of EVMs in 1991.