Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is set to participate in a protest in Bengaluru on August 4, targeting alleged electoral malpractice. The demonstration, organized by the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, aims to highlight what the party claims is a systematic manipulation of the electoral process. Following the protest, a formal representation will be submitted to Election Commission officials in the city.
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The protest follows Gandhi’s recent claims that his party has uncovered a detailed modus operandi behind what he calls “vote theft,” based on an in-depth analysis of a Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka. He alleged that new voters were added irregularly while long-time voters were removed without justification.
State Congress leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, have echoed Gandhi’s concerns. The protest, planned at Freedom Park, is expected to include an address by Gandhi before submitting the memorandum. Organizers have confirmed there will be no procession, adhering to High Court restrictions on rallies within Bengaluru.
In response, the BJP dismissed the protest as baseless. Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra questioned the credibility of the Congress claims, pointing out the party’s recent electoral success in the state. He accused the Congress of undermining democratic institutions by casting doubts on the Election Commission’s impartiality.