Rahul Gandhi Alleges Special Intensive Revision Is Attempting to Institutionalize Electoral Fraud

SIR will encompass approximately 51 crore voters across 321 districts.

Pachmarhi:

Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi alleged on Sunday that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls represents an effort to conceal and formalize "vote theft".

During a press interaction, Gandhi expressed his conviction that electoral manipulation similar to what he claimed occurred in Haryana also took place in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.

"Vote theft remains a critical issue, and the SIR initiative appears designed to cover up this manipulation and institutionalize the system," the Congress MP asserted.

Gandhi had arrived in the hill town of Pachmarhi in Narmadapuram on Saturday to participate in the training camp for Madhya Pradesh district Congress presidents.

The Election Commission launched its Special Intensive Revision of voter lists in nine states and three Union Territories on November 4. This extensive exercise will incorporate nearly 51 crore voters across 321 districts and 1,843 assembly constituencies throughout these regions.

"I recently presented evidence regarding Haryana, where I clearly demonstrated vote theft occurring—25 lakh votes were manipulated, effectively stealing one in every eight votes," Gandhi claimed.

"After analyzing that data, I believe identical manipulation transpired in MP, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. This reflects a systematic approach by the BJP and Election Commission," he charged.

"We possess additional evidence that we will release progressively. However, my primary concern centers on vote theft. The current SIR process appears aimed at concealing this practice and formalizing the system," he maintained.

When questioned about revealing further details, Gandhi confirmed they have "substantial and detailed information" which they plan to release.

"What we've revealed thus far represents only a fraction of the evidence," the Congress leader stated.

"My fundamental concern is that democracy faces a direct assault, as does Ambedkar's Constitution. Prime Minister Modi, Amit Shah, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar are orchestrating this through their collaborative partnership. This inflicts substantial damage on our nation. Bharat Mata is being harmed," he alleged.

Responding to another question, Gandhi noted the positive feedback received regarding the Congress district presidents' training program in Madhya Pradesh.

For implementing the SIR, electoral authorities have mobilized over 5.3 lakh booth-level officers (BLOs), 10,448 electoral registration officers, and 321 district election officers. Additionally, 7.64 lakh booth-level agents (BLAs) representing political parties are assisting BLOs in the field.

The Election Commission plans to release draft electoral rolls on December 9, with final electoral rolls scheduled for publication on February 7.

Election Commission officials recently commented that while Gandhi highlights irregularities in past elections, he opposes the special intensive revision designed to purify electoral rolls.

Gandhi has alleged that the 2024 Haryana assembly elections were "stolen," citing electoral data suggesting 25 lakh fraudulent entries and claiming the Election Commission colluded with the BJP to secure their victory.

The EC has firmly rejected Gandhi's vote manipulation accusations, stating they are "unfounded" since no appeals were filed challenging Haryana's electoral rolls, nor was multiple voting reported during the election process.