NEW DELHI — Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), asserting that the Opposition would defeat their “ideology of power” and remove the Narendra Modi government from office.
Addressing a large gathering at the “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod” (Vote Thief, Quit the Throne) rally at Ramlila Maidan, Gandhi accused the BJP-led government of systematically undermining democratic institutions and manipulating the electoral process.
Allegations of ‘Vote Theft’
Framing the political struggle as a contest between “Satya” (truth) and “Satta” (power), Gandhi alleged widespread electoral manipulation under the Modi government.
“We will stand with truth, and we will remove the Modi–RSS government from power. They have power, and they are indulging in vote theft,” Gandhi said, drawing loud applause from the crowd. He described the Congress party’s fight as an ideological battle against the principles of the RSS.
Criticism of the Election Commission
The Congress leader directly criticised the Election Commission of India, naming the Chief Election Commissioner and other commissioners while accusing them of acting in favour of the ruling party. He alleged that the Commission had failed to address complaints related to voter fraud and electoral irregularities.
“The Election Commission does not belong to Modi; it belongs to the people of India,” Gandhi said, adding that the Opposition would hold constitutional authorities accountable.
‘Vote Theft Is Anti-National’
Reiterating remarks he has made earlier in Parliament, Gandhi termed electoral manipulation the gravest offence against the nation.
“The biggest anti-national act is vote theft. When you destroy the vote, you destroy the idea of India,” he said, accusing the ruling establishment of weakening the foundations of democracy.
Ideological Clash with RSS
Gandhi also accused the RSS of attempting to capture key institutions by placing ideologically aligned individuals in important positions instead of appointing people based on merit.
“Our ideology — the ideology of India and of all religions — says that truth is supreme,” he said, contrasting it with what he described as the RSS-BJP ideology that prioritises power over truth.
Party Leadership Presence
The rally was attended by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and several senior party leaders. The event underscored the Congress party’s renewed emphasis on electoral integrity and institutional independence as it prepares for the next phase of the national political contest.
