India’s Opposition Parties Mobilize Protests Against Alleged Vote Theft

NEW DELHI: India’s opposition parties have announced plans for nationwide protests aimed at “saving democracy” following allegations of impropriety in a significant voter roll revision. The protests are set to escalate their campaign against the Election Commission of India, which has been accused of acting under the influence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Politicians, including Rahul Gandhi of the Congress party, have voiced strong accusations against the Election Commission’s head, Gyanesh Kumar, claiming that the integrity of the electoral process is at stake. Gandhi stated, “The main issue is the theft of votes,” emphasizing the need for accountability for those undermining Indian democracy.

The Election Commission has firmly rejected these allegations, asserting that all its decisions are legally valid. The controversy follows a report by The Indian Express, which highlighted questionable decisions related to the voter roll revision, raising concerns about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.

In response to the unfolding situation, opposition lawmakers plan to march to the Election Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday, with additional “save democracy” rallies scheduled across the country in the following days. This mobilization reflects a growing discontent among opposition parties regarding the electoral integrity in India.