Is Rahul Gandhi Visiting Karnataka on August 4 to Address Election Malpractices?

Bengaluru, July 30 (NationPress) Karnataka's Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced on Wednesday that the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is scheduled to arrive in Bengaluru on August 4 to present a memorandum to the State Election Commission concerning alleged election malpractices in a specific constituency within the state.

During a press briefing in Bengaluru, Parameshwara expressed, "Rahul Gandhi asserts that irregularities occurred during elections in Karnataka. In light of this, he will be submitting a letter to the Election Commission. His visit to Bengaluru is set for August 4, during which the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) will arrange multiple activities."

When queried about the events planned for that day, Parameshwara indicated that nothing has been confirmed yet.

He mentioned that one possibility under consideration is for Rahul Gandhi to speak to Congress supporters at Freedom Park, after which party leaders might head to the State Election Commission to submit the memorandum.

Parameshwara also noted, "The High Court ruled in 2022 against processions in Bengaluru. We will consider that ruling as we plan our events. It remains undecided whether a rally will be held, but it is unlikely."

He pointed out that Rahul Gandhi has vocally accused Karnataka of experiencing election malpractice. "A review of the complaints indicates that many issues have been raised, transcending party lines, with leaders from various areas filing them. We cannot determine the veracity of these claims," he remarked.

When asked about the specific constituency referenced by Rahul Gandhi, Parameshwara replied, "The by-elections involved only one segment, right? It was in that context that he made his comments."

However, insiders within the Congress party have indicated that they are planning a significant event to attract national attention, especially with the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections in mind. They are contemplating a padyatra or a large rally.

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, along with other prominent leaders, are anticipated to participate in this protest rally alongside Rahul Gandhi, according to sources.

Moreover, it has been confirmed that State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar has called for a meeting at the KPCC office on Wednesday evening to strategize for the event.

Additionally, sources have disclosed that the party has compiled substantial evidence indicating that voters from three Assembly segments within the Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha constituency also participated in elections in a neighboring state.

According to insiders, "Documents have been gathered to demonstrate that the names of voters from a specific community were selectively removed from the electoral rolls. Based on these findings, Rahul Gandhi has decided to visit Bengaluru and initiate a vigorous protest."

Previously, Gandhi stated, "The Election Commission of India is failing in its duties. We now possess concrete, indisputable evidence of the poll panel facilitating cheating in a seat in Karnataka."

"We have identified thousands of new voters aged between 50 and 65 years added to the rolls. We have caught them. I want to convey to the Election Commission: if you believe you can evade accountability, you are mistaken," Gandhi asserted.

Responding to Gandhi's claims, the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka refuted the allegations, affirming that electoral rolls are compiled transparently and copies are provided to recognized parties.

On Thursday, Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukumar remarked, "According to the law, appeals can be filed against wrongful additions or deletions in the electoral rolls. No appeals have been received."