Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made explosive allegations on Wednesday, claiming that every sixth BJP MP in the Lok Sabha achieved their position through what he termed as “vote chori” or vote theft. He provocatively questioned whether these MPs should be referred to as ‘ghuspethiya’, in a remark highlighting his party’s growing tensions with the ruling BJP.
Gandhi addressed the issue on social media, emphasizing the significance of fair elections. He suggested that the BJP would struggle to secure more than 140 seats in a truly free election, severely undermining the party’s positioning in Indian politics.
“Through vote theft, individual seats are snatched, and at times, entire governments are stolen. Of the 240 BJP MPs in the Lok Sabha, approximately every sixth MP gained their seat through this illegal means,” Gandhi stated in a Hindi post on X. This marks one of his most direct confrontations with the BJP regarding electoral integrity.
He further asserted, “They are not hard to identify – should we label them ‘ghuspethiya’ as per BJP’s own parlance? What about Haryana? There, the entire government itself is ‘ghuspethiya’. The institutions they control manipulate voter lists and the electoral process, becoming ‘remote-controlled’.” This comment underscores his stance that the BJP’s hold on power is not through legitimate methods.
Gandhi expressed that the BJP’s deep-seated anxiety is rooted in the potential exposure of these electoral malpractices. He stated, “Their real fear is the truth. For if fair elections were to be held, they would not win even 140 seats today.” His statements position Congress as a defender of democratic values amid ongoing electoral debates.
In another recent social media post, Gandhi condemned the BJP’s victory in the Bengal and Assam assembly polls, branding it a “theft” of the people’s mandate. He asserted that the bias against the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which he supports, paints a broader picture of the BJP’s mission to undermine democratic governance in India.
On Tuesday, he reiterated the call for unity among political factions against the BJP’s rise. “Some in the Congress and other parties are gloating about TMC’s loss. They need to recognize this – the theft of Assam and Bengal’s mandate marks a significant advancement in BJP’s unrelenting mission to dismantle Indian democracy,” Gandhi emphasized.
He encouraged his allies to transcend narrow political victories, stating, “Put aside petty politics. This is not merely about different parties; this is about the future of India.” His appeals highlight Gandhi’s role as a rallying figure in the fight against election-related corruption.
The BJP’s recent electoral successes in Bengal, where they ousted the Trinamool Congress, and their continued dominance in Assam, illustrate the contentious landscape of Indian politics leading up to the upcoming elections.
