Youth Congress stages protest against ‘vote theft’ in Kalaburagi

Alleging large-scale electoral malpractice in the country, the Kalaburagi District Youth Congress on Sunday staged a demonstration against what it termed “vote theft” by the Election Commission of India (ECI) at the behest of the ruling BJP at the Centre.

As part of a campaign, agitating activists, led by District Youth Congress president Shakeel Saradagi, displayed posters at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Circle in the city and raised slogans against the ECI, saying that it is acting at the behest of the BJP-led Union government instead of maintaining its impartiality as a Constitutional body.

“The ECI is functioning like a puppet in the hands of the ruling BJP instead of acting as an independent constitutional body. The Congress leadership, including All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, has repeatedly raised questions about the fairness of elections. Rather than answering them, the Election Commission is intimidating Opposition parties. This is unacceptable in a democracy,” Mr. Saradagi said.

He added that the campaign is intended to remind citizens that every vote matters.

“Ours is a country of nearly 100 crore voters. Each individual has the right to cast one vote freely and fearlessly. Our movement is about protecting that basic democratic principle. If we allow ‘vote theft’ to go unchecked, we will weaken the very foundation of our republic,” he said.

Several Youth Congress leaders present at the event echoed the call for vigilance. Eeranna Patil Jhalaki said that their poster campaign is an attempt to take the message directly to ordinary people.

“We want the youth, women and first-time voters to know that their right cannot be compromised. Democracy survives only when every citizen participates honestly,” he remarked.

Another leader Amar Shirwal observed that creating awareness is as important as raising slogans. “Our fight is not just against the BJP but against the erosion of democratic values. By standing together, we can ensure that no one dares to snatch away people’s votes,” he said.

The gathering saw the participation of a number of Youth Congress leaders, including Parashuram Natikar, Umar Junaidi, Raju Malgi, Ganesh Naganahalli, Sanghpal Kamble, Aslam Sindgi and Karthik Hosamani, who pledged to intensify the awareness drive across the district in the weeks to come.