‘Institutions being crushed’: Priyanka Gandhi hits out at BJP, EC over ‘vote-theft’; gives 'ballot paper' dare

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.