Why is Selja Supporting Rahul’s Allegation of Vote Theft in Haryana?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kumari Selja backs Rahul Gandhi's claims of vote theft.
- The Election Commission faces criticism over electoral integrity.
- Claims of manipulated voter lists have emerged.
- The Congress is considering legal options.
- Accountability from the BJP and Election Commission is demanded.
New Delhi, Nov 5 (NationPress) Senior Congress leader Kumari Selja on Wednesday made a pointed critique of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the BJP, endorsing Rahul Gandhi’s shocking claim of "mass vote theft" during the Haryana Assembly elections. She has demanded an official explanation from both the electoral authority and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Her remarks followed shortly after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Gandhi of disseminating falsehoods regarding the Haryana election mandate. Rijiju referred to comments from Selja and state chief Rao Narendra Singh, who acknowledged the internal discord within the party that contributed to the Congress's defeat.
Responding to Rijiju’s statements, Selja told IANS: "Please don’t try to distract".
"Neither did I make such a statement, nor should they use these excuses to shift focus. Our internal issues are our own concern. The major issue today is what Rahul ji has brought to light regarding the alleged theft of 25 lakh votes in Haryana. The Election Commission and the Prime Minister owe us an answer on this matter," she stated.
While speaking to the press after Rahul Gandhi’s press conference, Selja dismissed the BJP leader's comments that alluded to her previous remarks about the internal challenges within the Congress in Haryana.
She emphasized that the core issue was not the Congress’s internal strife but what she referred to as an "orchestrated manipulation" of voter rolls.
Selja charged that the Election Commission failed to address electoral fraud despite having received “clear indications” and evidence from the Congress.
"This is the world’s largest democracy. Who bears the responsibility? The party booth agents, or the Election Commission that claims to uphold free and fair elections? How can someone from another state—holding a BJP position—come here to vote alongside their family?" she questioned.
She further alleged that identities were altered, addresses were fabricated, and voters were duplicated.
"Faces may stay the same, but age and gender change. The Election Commission can no longer hide behind excuses," she added, accusing it of "evading responsibility".
Selja mentioned that the Congress is exploring legal avenues but asserted that the evidence already made public "has awakened the nation, particularly the youth, to the manipulation of their future".
"The BJP and the Election Commission must provide answers. No diversion tactics will succeed," she concluded.