LEADER of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, addressing the media on September 19, 2025, over the issue of “vote theft,” accused Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of acting as an “election watchman who stayed awake, witnessed the theft, and shielded the culprits.” He further charged the Chief Election Commissioner with safeguarding those responsible for “destroying democracy” in India.
Earlier on August 7, 2025, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made an explosive allegation that a nationwide “Vote Chori” (vote theft) scam is underway under the BJP government. He claimed that a central syndicate is orchestrating large-scale manipulation of electoral rolls to benefit the ruling party.
According to Rahul Gandhi, two primary methods are being used:
Fraudulent additions of fictitious names to the voters’ list.
Targeted deletions of genuine voters’ names, especially in opposition strongholds.
While both methods are problematic, he argued that targeted deletions are proving more effective than mass additions in influencing election outcomes.
Karnataka Case Study
Gandhi cited the example of the Karnataka assembly polls, particularly the Aland constituency in Kalaburagi district. His team reportedly detected attempts to delete nearly 6,000 names from voters’ lists in Congress-dominated areas. Among those removed was a relative of the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) himself.
Following complaints, the Election Commission of India (ECI) blocked most of the deletions. The ERO filed an FIR, prompting the Karnataka CID to investigate. The CID discovered that fake identities were used to raise objections and sought crucial data from the ECI, including IP addresses of devices used to file objections, destination ports, an dOTP trails linked to mobile numbers to identify the criminals on the ground and, if possible, unearth the syndicate guiding the operations.
However, the ECI declined to share the information saying it’s an independent body and no one has a right to challenge its authority in the preparation of the voters’ list. Instead, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar challenged Gandhi to either submit an affidavit supporting his claims or issue a public apology.
Notwithstanding, it’s becoming abundantly clear that the ‘vote theft’ process is going on under PM Modi. Critics say the ECI’s refusal raises serious questions about its independence. Gandhi has accused the BJP government of influencing institutions to manipulate electoral lists in its favour, thereby sustaining its dominance and securing a third consecutive term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Congress leader further alleged that the BJP IT cell is central to this operation. He recalled how the same IT machinery, in collusion with sections of the media, had previously run campaigns mocking him as “Pappu” to damage his public image.
Wider Concerns
Rahul Gandhi also questioned the credibility of exit polls, arguing that they frequently defy public perception and help condition voters into accepting contested outcomes. One needs to be made aware that at the end of the electioneering, when everyone is convinced that the BJP may not be on the winning side, the exit poll gives the verdict contrary to the popular opinion.
Taken together, he claimed, these factors point to systematic “vote theft” — a fraud undermining the very foundation of India’s democracy. This is a big fraud that’s being foisted on the people of the country believed to be living in the largest democracy in the world.
Call for Independent Probe
The charges are grave. Manipulation of electoral rolls — through either bogus additions or deliberate deletions — amounts to a direct assault on democratic rights. If proven, those involved must face strict legal consequences, and accountability should extend to any political actors behind such organised efforts.
The allegations cannot be brushed aside. Only an impartial and independent investigation can determine whether India’s elections are being subverted by a coordinated “Vote Chori” project. That may also very well open up the pathway to the politicians who are behind such organized crime.
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Syed Ali Mujtaba is a journalist based in Chennai. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba2007@gmail.com
