Congress Leaders Rally in Bihar Against Allegations of Vote Fraud

The Congress party’s senior leadership convened in Patna on October 11, 2023, for a significant meeting of its Working Committee, marking a historic first since India’s independence. This assembly focuses on strategies for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections and heightened criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) concerning alleged incidents of “vote chori,” or vote theft.

Key Discussions and Resolutions

The extended session of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) includes various permanent and special invitees, such as state chief ministers, Congress Committee presidents, and leaders from the Congress Legislature Party. The meeting commenced at 10:30 AM at Sadaqat Ashram, underscoring its significance in the party’s electoral strategy.

According to sources from PTI, multiple resolutions are anticipated to be passed, addressing the party’s approach toward the Bihar elections. Prior to the discussions, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge inaugurated the gathering by unfurling the party flag at the state headquarters, symbolizing unity and resolve.

Notable participants include Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, alongside key figures such as treasurer Ajay Maken and general secretaries KC Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, and Sachin Pilot. The agenda is clear: to solidify Congress’s position in Bihar and to exert pressure on the BJP regarding electoral integrity.

Targeting Allegations of Vote Fraud

The CWC’s discussions are not limited to election strategies; they are also aimed at addressing the controversial “vote chori” allegations. According to sources, the committee intends to deliver a strong message condemning these practices, alongside concerns about the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in the state.

This meeting follows a series of events, including Gandhi’s “Voter Adhikar Yatra,” which targets the alleged vote theft and seeks to invigorate party workers across Bihar. Notably, this gathering occurs shortly after Gandhi’s second press conference addressing these issues, where he accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of protecting individuals undermining democratic processes.

In support of his claims, Gandhi referenced data from a Karnataka Assembly constituency, asserting that the votes of Congress supporters were being systematically eliminated. This assertion highlights the party’s ongoing campaign to ensure electoral fairness and transparency.

The meeting also comes amid ongoing seat-sharing discussions within the Mahagathbandhan alliance, as Congress seeks to consolidate its position ahead of the elections. This strategic assembly in Bihar reflects the party’s commitment to addressing voter concerns and enhancing its electoral prospects in a critical state.