Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, addressing a Congress rally, accused the BJP and Election Commission of “vote chori” and undermining democratic institutions. She challenged the ruling party to contest elections on ballot paper, asserting that the BJP wins through “vote theft” and alleged that institutions are being forced to “bend before the government.” NEW DELHI: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday attacked the BJP and the Election Commission, alleging “vote chori” and irregularities in the electoral process, asserting that democratic institutions were being “crushed” and daring the ruling party to contest elections on ballot paper.Addressing the Congress’s ‘Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhor’ rally at Ramlila Maidan, Priyanka said, “When we see every institution being crushed, all Indians should rise against it,” and alleged that “all institutions in the country” were being made to “bend before the government”.Targeting the poll process, she claimed there was suspicion at every stage.“Elections not being conducted properly, there is suspicion at every step,” she said, questioning the Election Commission’s role. “EC shutting its eyes to Rs 10,000 being paid during the election process; is this not ‘vote chori’?” she asked.Priyanka also challenged the BJP to fight elections without electronic voting machines. “I challenge BJP to contest polls on ballot paper, they know they will never win,” she said, adding, “I challenge them to fight a fair election. Let them fight on the ballot paper, and they themselves know that they will never win.”Referring to the recent electoral outcome in Bihar, she told party workers, “You should not lose heart over losing Bihar, the entire country knows BJP wins through ‘vote theft’.”Speaking about Parliament sessions, Priyanka said the Opposition’s demand for a debate on electoral issues was resisted and a discussion was agreed only when we agreed to a debate on Vande Mataram, while ignoring all the other pressing issues which affect you. “In the Parliament hardly there are one or two debates in a session. When Rahul ji raised the issue, Kharge ji raised the issue that we want to debate on the way votes are being stolen through the EVMs, they got scared. They didn’t agree,” she said.Emphasising the importance of voting rights, she said, “Our voice should reach the PM’s residence. It’s very important to understand that your vote plays an important role,” and recalled Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision of universal participation that shaped the Constitution and the right to vote.“Nehru ji said that the people of India, every single son and daughter of India, are all a part of Mother India. This very thought shaped our constitution. This Constitution gave you the right to vote,” she added.The rally comes days after sharp exchanges between the government and the Opposition in Parliament over electoral integrity and the special intensive revision of electoral rolls.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. 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The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRahul Gandhi Posts Video With Messi During Hyderabad GOAT India Tour StopTharoor Warns India Faces Growing Anti-Migrant Sentiment, Says “It’s Not Just In The West”Bhutia hits out at VIP culture, says Messi Kolkata chaos tarnishes India’s imageRam Temple Trust Prepares For Massive Pilgrim Rush As Ayodhya Eyes Kumbh-Scale CrowdsAssam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Slams VIP Culture After Messi Event Chaos in West BengalMessi Lights Up Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai Ahead of Fan Meet, City Excited to Greet Star”Very Disappointing” Former Captain Bhutia Criticises VIP Mismanagement at Messi Show‘Truly Historic’: PM Modi’s Jordan Visit to Mark 75 Years of Diplomatic TiesCongress Questions BJP’s Renaming Of MGNREGA, Hits Out At Gandhi HatredMessi Event Chaos In Kolkata Triggers BJP Attack On Mamata Over Law Order And Mismanagement123Photostories3 heart-strengthening recipes shared by American Heart AssociationShilpa Shetty just revived the glory of 700-year-old Patan Patola sarees7 animals that build underground hidden homes !Inside photos: Messi event at Kolkata Salt Lake Stadium descends into chaosIn pictures: Asia’s longest ski drag lift inaugurated at GulmargChennai connectivity boost: Kilambakkam skywalk to bridge bus terminus and new rail station; works gather paceThis actress debuted with Akshaye Khanna, became a Chiranjeevi favourite in the South, and married Kareena Kapoor’s reel ‘boyfriend’Winter Special: How to make Dhaba-style Champaran Mutton at homeSins humans commit and the hells they go to based on birth month (Garuda Purana Inspired)Maharashtra Infrastructure Boost: Rs 1.5 Lakh Crore Highways, Expressways, and Urban Mobility Projects Approved123Hot PicksMukesh Ambani vs Gautam AdaniDonald TrumpAnurag ThakurGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingDelhi SchoolJohn CenaMessi Kolkata EventKyle TuckerMLB Trade RumorsBoston Red SoxDelhi AQIFernando Mendoza MomMessi Event Organiser Satadru DuttaWho is Paige Shiver
NEW DELHI: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday attacked the BJP and the Election Commission, alleging “vote chori” and irregularities in the electoral process, asserting that democratic institutions were being “crushed” and daring the ruling party to contest elections on ballot paper.Addressing the Congress’s ‘Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhor’ rally at Ramlila Maidan, Priyanka said, “When we see every institution being crushed, all Indians should rise against it,” and alleged that “all institutions in the country” were being made to “bend before the government”.Targeting the poll process, she claimed there was suspicion at every stage.“Elections not being conducted properly, there is suspicion at every step,” she said, questioning the Election Commission’s role. “EC shutting its eyes to Rs 10,000 being paid during the election process; is this not ‘vote chori’?” she asked.Priyanka also challenged the BJP to fight elections without electronic voting machines. “I challenge BJP to contest polls on ballot paper, they know they will never win,” she said, adding, “I challenge them to fight a fair election. Let them fight on the ballot paper, and they themselves know that they will never win.”Referring to the recent electoral outcome in Bihar, she told party workers, “You should not lose heart over losing Bihar, the entire country knows BJP wins through ‘vote theft’.”Speaking about Parliament sessions, Priyanka said the Opposition’s demand for a debate on electoral issues was resisted and a discussion was agreed only when we agreed to a debate on Vande Mataram, while ignoring all the other pressing issues which affect you. “In the Parliament hardly there are one or two debates in a session. When Rahul ji raised the issue, Kharge ji raised the issue that we want to debate on the way votes are being stolen through the EVMs, they got scared. They didn’t agree,” she said.Emphasising the importance of voting rights, she said, “Our voice should reach the PM’s residence. It’s very important to understand that your vote plays an important role,” and recalled Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision of universal participation that shaped the Constitution and the right to vote.“Nehru ji said that the people of India, every single son and daughter of India, are all a part of Mother India. This very thought shaped our constitution. This Constitution gave you the right to vote,” she added.The rally comes days after sharp exchanges between the government and the Opposition in Parliament over electoral integrity and the special intensive revision of electoral rolls.
