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New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the RSS during a discussion on election reforms, alleging that key democratic institutions—especially the Election Commission—have been “captured” to influence electoral outcomes. “Our nation is a fabric of 1.5 billion people and is woven together by vote,” Gandhi said, asserting that the BJP-led government was “damaging the very idea of India” by undermining free and fair elections.
‘RSS Does Not Believe in Equality; They Believe in Hierarchy’
Gandhi said the RSS fundamentally opposes the notion of equality enshrined in the Constitution. “The idea that every person in India is equal disturbs my friends in the RSS. They believe in a hierarchy. Their project after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination was the wholesale capture of India’s institutional framework,” he said.
Rahul: EC Colluding With Those in Power
Accusing the Election Commission of working at the behest of the ruling party, Gandhi said there was “institutional capture” of the body responsible for ensuring the integrity of elections. “I have given proof of how the EC is colluding with those in power to shape elections. Three questions make it clear the BJP is directing the EC to damage India’s democracy,” he said, listing:
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Why was the Chief Justice of India removed from the selection panel for appointing Election Commissioners?
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Why did the Prime Minister and Home Minister give immunity to Election Commissioners through changes in law?
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Why was the law on preserving CCTV footage diluted, allowing the destruction of critical evidence?
Claiming that “Haryana elections were stolen”, Gandhi alleged that “the EC ensured theft”.
‘Vote Chori Is the Biggest Anti-National Act’
Calling for structural reforms, Gandhi demanded that:
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Machine-readable voter lists will be provided to all political parties a month before polling.
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The law allowing the destruction of CCTV footage has been withdrawn.
“We are not just the biggest democracy; we are the greatest democracy,” he said.
He ended his speech with one of the most substantial allegations yet:
“The biggest anti-national act is vote chori. When you destroy the vote, you destroy the idea of India. Those across the aisle are committing an anti-national act.”
