"Fighting Against Vote Theft Means Saving Democracy": Kanhaiya Kumar

Kanhaiya Kumar is in Patna for the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting.

Patna (Bihar):

Congress leader and NSUI in-charge Kanhaiya Kumar criticized the double-engine government in Bihar, emphasizing that combating "vote theft" is essential for preserving democracy.

In an interview with ANI, Kumar asserted that a government established through alleged vote manipulation would inevitably "orchestrate paper leaks" and fail to tackle critical issues including inflation, unemployment, and migration.

"Our stance on safeguarding the Constitution and democracy is absolutely clear - a government formed through vote theft will orchestrate paper leaks and won't address inflation. When thieves govern, those engaging in hooliganism become emboldened. When hooligans hold power, it's not good governance but rather a government of criminals. Therefore, fighting against vote theft means preserving democracy, creating employment opportunities, and halting migration," the Congress leader explained.

Addressing the recent confrontation between Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers regarding alleged insults directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kumar emphasized that holding the CWC meeting at the historic Sadaqat Ashram demonstrated his party's commitment to defending the Constitution and democratic principles.

"Sadaqat Ashram and Maulana Mazharul Haque represent more than just a party office. This site is intrinsically linked to our nation's independence struggle. It served as the residence of India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Recently, this heritage location was attacked by those who venerate Mahatma Gandhi's assassin. Therefore, conducting a CWC meeting at this very location underscores our determination to protect the Constitution and democracy," Kumar stated.

On August 29, Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain reported and condemned an attack by BJP workers on the Bihar Pradesh Congress Office (Sadaqat Ashram).

Kumar arrived in Patna yesterday evening for the Congress Working Committee meeting scheduled for today.

Senior Congress figures have begun arriving in Patna for the CWC meeting. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has also departed from Delhi to attend.

The timing and location of this gathering are considered strategically significant, with Bihar Assembly elections anticipated by late 2025.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah landed at Patna airport on Tuesday to participate in this key meeting of the party's highest decision-making body. Congress MP Randeep Surjewala also reached Patna and highlighted Bihar's historic significance in shaping political discourse during his media interaction.

"Throughout history, Bihar has consistently created new political narratives, from Champaran to the present. The policy and ideological decisions that the CWC will formulate under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge will prove equally momentous," Surjewala remarked.

Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel also arrived in the state, referencing recent statements by Rahul Gandhi: "Last month, Rahul Gandhi made two crucial observations regarding caste census and vote theft. The atomic bomb has been detonated. Now we await the hydrogen bomb," Baghel commented.

The meeting occurs amid a nationwide protest against alleged vote tampering, with a signature campaign currently underway across India. The forthcoming Bihar elections are expected to feature prominently in discussions, given the state's political importance.

"We are conducting the CWC meeting in Patna. This gathering isn't specifically election-related; we hold such meetings frequently. Numerous issues require discussion, including the national agitation against vote theft and the ongoing nationwide signature campaign. These matters, along with various other political concerns, need to be addressed. Naturally, the Bihar elections will be among the topics discussed," Venugopal told ANI.

The CWC meeting will be held at Sadaqat Ashram, the Congress's state headquarters in Patna. Expected attendees include Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) president Rajesh Ram, the party's Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru, and Congress Legislature Party leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan, among others.

The party's state in-charge, Krishna Allavaru, announced the CWC meeting during a press conference on Monday, emphasizing that the party plans to address multiple issues, including alleged 'vote chori' (vote theft) as well as increasing crime, unemployment, and inflation affecting the state.

"Congress will certainly address Bihar-specific issues while in Bihar, but will also discuss national concerns. Bihar faces numerous challenges including unemployment, inflation, rising crime rates, crimes against women, and what appears to be a ceasefire or surrender before Trump," he stated.