Did Congress Initiate 'Vote Theft' with Sonia Gandhi's Voter Registration?

Jaipur, Aug 14 (NationPress) The president of the Rajasthan BJP unit, Madan Rathore, has fiercely criticized the Congress party, accusing it of introducing the concept of vote theft in India.

Pointing to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, Rathore claimed that her name was incorporated into the electoral rolls in 1980—three years prior to her official acquisition of Indian citizenship in 1983.

“The origins of vote theft can be traced back to Sonia Gandhi,” Rathore asserted. “When the foundation itself is flawed, how can Congress preach to others about vote rigging? This is a clear example of ‘chor machaye shor’.

He charged that Sonia Gandhi's voter registration before becoming an Indian citizen was a prime instance of electoral fraud. “She was recognized as a voter in 1980 but only obtained citizenship in 1983. What could be more fraudulent than that?”

In response to Congress’s claims of vote manipulation by the BJP, Rathore dismissed these allegations as unfounded. “If we were guilty of vote theft, how did leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot, Tikaram Jully, and Govind Singh Dotasra win elections? Congress celebrates its victories but cries foul when it loses,” he stated, also accusing the Congress of consistently altering voter lists.

“The voter list undergoes regular updates—new voters are added, deceased individuals are removed. If someone relocates, their name is adjusted accordingly. Yet Congress has continuously manipulated this process by inserting fictitious names,” he alleged.

Addressing accusations regarding illegal voters and vote bank politics, Rathore voiced concerns about the unauthorized inclusion of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis in voter rolls. “Who will shape the future of this nation—its citizens or illegal immigrants? Many have added these groups to voter lists merely to secure votes. Now, with these names being purged, they are anxious about losing their electoral base,” he said.

Rathore advocated for constructive political competition, stating, “If you wish to compete, do so through public service. Serve the people better than us—gain blessings, not votes through illicit means.” He further stressed the importance of conducting upcoming student union elections in a peaceful and organized manner.

“Where there is peace, proper elections will follow. The leadership will determine the suitable timing and format for the elections, whether through direct voting or nominations,” Rathore added.

On the topic of opium cultivation in Chittorgarh, Rathore clarified the BJP's position, stating, “Opium is beneficial only as a medication and should be utilized solely for that purpose. Illegal cultivation must be eradicated, and offenders should face strict penalties. Experts understand its application, not the average citizen.”

Rathore made these statements during his visit to Nimbahera in Chittorgarh, where he participated in the Tiranga Yatra organized by local MLA Chandrabhan Akya while addressing the media at the BJP office in Chittorgarh.