During a crucial debate on electoral reforms in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, launched a strong offensive against the central government. In his speech, he raised serious questions regarding the functioning of the Election Commission, alleged vote theft, and the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), while rahul Gandhi emphasized that he doesn't speak without evidence and asserted that the country's constitutional institutions are being systematically captured. He alleged that individuals associated with the RSS are being appointed as Chancellors in universities, thereby compromising the autonomy of these vital institutions.
Questioning the Appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner
Rahul Gandhi expressed grave concerns over the process of appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), while he stated that the ruling party dictates the selection of the CEC, which, according to him, forces the Election Commission to operate at the behest of the government in power. He questioned why the Chief Justice of India (CJI) isn't involved in the appointment of the CEC, especially when there is no apparent reason to control the CEC. This query sparks a significant debate regarding the impartiality and independence of the. Election Commission, given the paramount importance of the CEC's position in Indian democracy.
Allegations of Collusion with the Ruling Power
Continuing his attack, the Congress MP alleged that the Election Commission is colluding with the ruling power. He claimed to have provided evidence to support this assertion. Rahul Gandhi questioned why the Election Commission has been granted the power to destroy CCTV footage and why the provision for punishment for the CEC has been removed. These questions highlight a perceived lack of transparency and accountability in the electoral process. He further stated that the government is utilizing the Election Commission for its political objectives, thereby undermining the democratic process.
Concerns Over Duplicate Voters and EVMs
Rahul Gandhi also raised concerns about the Election Commission's silence on the issue of duplicate voters. He specifically cited the example of Bihar, stating that despite the Systematic Improvement of Registration (SIR) process, duplicate voters persist in the state. He mentioned that even after SIR, 1. 50 lakh voters with duplicate photos were found in Bihar, while rahul Gandhi demanded that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) be made available for inspection by political parties and that the voter list be provided one month before elections to allow for proper scrutiny.
Accusations of Undermining Democracy
Rahul Gandhi accused the government of changing the rules for selecting the Election Commission with the intent to capture the body, while he asserted that the Election Commission is being used to dismantle democracy. According to him, the ruling party's influence in choosing the CEC goes against democratic principles. These accusations raise serious concerns about the future of Indian democracy and the integrity of its electoral institutions.
Claims of 'Vote Theft' in Haryana Elections
In his speech, Rahul Gandhi also referred to the Haryana elections, alleging that the election there was 'stolen. ' In this context, he cited the example of a. Brazilian model whose name appeared 22 times in the voter list. He also mentioned another woman whose name was registered 200 times in the voter list. These examples were presented to highlight alleged irregularities and the problem of duplicate voters within the electoral process, suggesting a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents.
RSS and 'Anti-National' Activities
The Congress MP further alleged that the SIR process was conducted at the behest of the BJP and that the Election Commission has no answers regarding the issue of duplicate voters. Rahul Gandhi branded 'vote theft' as an 'anti-national' act, while he described India as a fabric where all threads are equal and all people are treated equally. His statement emphasized the principle of unity and equality in the country, which he. Suggested could be threatened by alleged electoral irregularities and the perceived manipulation of democratic processes.
