LoP Says Opposition Leaders United on ‘Vote Theft’ Issue and Vows to Seek Accountability for Alleged Threats to Democratic Institutions
New Delhi, September 30: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said the INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi involved detailed discussions on concerns surrounding the electoral process, with leaders collectively deliberating on what the Opposition describes as “vote theft.”
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Gandhi said all alliance leaders were consulted on the issue and expressed a shared concern over what they allege is an assault on India’s democratic institutions.
Gandhi alleged that the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had undermined the democratic system. These are political allegations made by Gandhi and the INDIA bloc; the BJP and Election Commission have rejected opposition allegations regarding the electoral process.
‘We Are Not Going to Take This Lying Down’
Gandhi said the Opposition would continue to pursue the matter and seek accountability, regardless of the position or seniority of those against whom allegations are made.
“We are not going to take this lying down,” Gandhi said, adding that INDIA bloc leaders were personally committed to ensuring that those whom they hold responsible for damaging Indian democracy face accountability.
He stressed that Indian democracy is larger than any individual, describing the Constitution and democratic institutions as matters that must be collectively protected.
Opposition Claims Growing Public Awareness
Gandhi further said there was a sense within the INDIA bloc that the Opposition had succeeded in drawing public attention to its allegations concerning the conduct of elections.
According to Gandhi, the campaign over alleged electoral manipulation has particularly resonated with young people, among whom he claimed there was growing resistance to what they perceive as wrong in the country’s democratic system.
He also appealed to Opposition leaders to recognise their collective responsibility as “defenders of the Indian Constitution.”
Looking ahead, Gandhi expressed confidence that the Opposition’s continued campaign would lead to significant changes in the country over the coming months.
The remarks came after the INDIA bloc announced a six-point programme that includes district-level “Save Democracy” marches from October 2 to 8, a proposed march by Opposition MPs to the Election Commission on October 6, meetings with constitutional authorities, mega rallies and an appeal for early consideration of electoral matters pending before the Supreme Court.