Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 14: Under heavy security deployment, Congress leaders and workers assembled at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on Sunday to stage a protest rally alleging large-scale “vote theft,” accusing the Central government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) of acting in tandem to influence electoral outcomes.
While the demonstration was intended to highlight concerns over electoral integrity, it quickly became contentious after several attendees were heard shouting provocative and offensive slogans directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The rally was organised to demand accountability from the Centre and the ECI, which the Congress claims have undermined democratic processes. As the gathering swelled, chants such as “Vote chor, gaddi chhodo” were raised, alongside more inflammatory slogans that drew criticism and sparked debate over the tone of the protest.
Manjulata Meena, a Congress worker from Rajasthan, told reporters that the party stood firmly behind Rahul Gandhi in what she described as a fight against systematic electoral malpractice. “People have gathered here in large numbers because they believe democracy is under threat. We will continue to oppose vote theft with full strength,” she said.
Responding to questions about the controversial slogans, Meena defended the anger expressed by protesters, claiming public frustration had reached a breaking point. She alleged manipulation of EVMs and warned that citizens would no longer remain silent, citing examples of political change in neighbouring countries to underline her point.
Another party worker, Sonia Begum, also justified the slogans, saying they reflected a desire for political change. “We are supporting Rahul Gandhi in this struggle. When injustice prevails, people raise their voices. That is why these slogans are being raised,” she said.
Throughout the rally, demonstrators continued to wave placards and banners while repeating similar chants. Sunita, another Congress supporter, said the protest was about standing up for public rights. “People will no longer tolerate vote theft or injustice. That is why we are here with our leaders,” she told reporters.
Senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were scheduled to join the protest. The event also saw participation from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Congress legislators from the state, and over a thousand party workers.
Addressing the media, K.C. Venugopal said the protest was aimed at safeguarding democracy rather than targeting any single political party. “This movement is against vote theft. People have gathered in large numbers to defend democratic values, and Congress will continue this fight,” he said.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari echoed similar sentiments, noting the scale and enthusiasm of the turnout. “Delhi has been filled with people since last evening. This is a mission to protect the Constitution and democracy. Congress has a long history of sacrifice for the nation, and we will not step back from this struggle,” he said.