Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced on Thursday that the party’s protests against what it terms “vote chori,” or vote theft, will persist nationwide. He urged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to dissolve Parliament and participate in elections using ballot papers, asserting that this would demonstrate their confidence in electoral performance. The Congress has planned a significant protest in Delhi on November 1, focusing on concerns about the integrity of electoral rolls.

Kharge accused the Election Commission, particularly Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, of misconduct, claiming that there has been a systematic deletion and exclusion of voters’ names from electoral rolls. He highlighted that this issue disproportionately affects minorities and those from economically and socially weaker sections of society. “Protests will continue against the vote chori and the Chief Election Commissioner,” Kharge stated during a press briefing in Bengaluru, as reported by PTI.

As part of its ongoing campaign, the Congress aims to raise public awareness regarding alleged electoral irregularities. A mock Parliament session is scheduled for Friday, followed by a rally planned around the November 1 date. When asked about the participation of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in the rally, Kharge confirmed that they would not be involved, emphasising the need for active engagement in a democracy.

Karnataka Legislative Council Election Results

In light of the recent Karnataka Legislative Council election results, where the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) secured all four available seats despite the use of ballot papers, Kharge reiterated the Congress’s demand for ballot paper voting in future elections. He remarked that the party’s call for this change would not wane simply because the BJP won these elections.

“Once upon a time, they only won two Parliament seats when elections were held using ballot papers,” he noted. Kharge cautioned the BJP against complacency following their electoral victories. He questioned the relevance of the margins by which candidates won, suggesting that such outcomes do not imply a lack of influence over the Election Commission.

“Sometimes it happens when the BJP wins ballot paper-based elections. It does not mean that the BJP has no hold on the Election Commission,” he remarked, advising the party to avoid arrogance regarding their electoral performance. He further challenged the BJP, stating, “If that is the case, let them dissolve Parliament and go for elections on ballot paper.” This statement underscores the Congress’s ongoing commitment to advocating for electoral reforms and transparency in the voting process.

Future Plans and Continued Advocacy

Despite the results of the recent Legislative Council elections, Kharge affirmed that the Congress party would maintain its protests and demands for ballot-paper voting. The JD(S) won the Bengaluru Teachers’ constituency, while the BJP retained the North-East Teachers’, South-East Graduates’, and West Graduates’ constituencies. Kharge’s remarks indicate a strategic focus on mobilising support and raising public awareness about electoral integrity.

As the Congress prepares for its upcoming protest in Delhi, the party aims to galvanise support from various sections of society, particularly those who feel disenfranchised by the current electoral system. The ongoing protests are intended to highlight the party’s commitment to democratic principles and the need for reform in the electoral process.

In conclusion, Kharge’s statements and the planned demonstrations reflect the Congress’s strategy to challenge the BJP’s electoral practices and advocate for a more transparent voting system. The party’s actions in the coming weeks will be closely monitored as they seek to engage the public and raise awareness about their concerns.

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