New Delhi, Dec 14 (NationPress) Congress General Secretary and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra challenged the BJP to secure an election victory using ballot paper. She criticized the ruling party for alleged "vote chori" (vote theft) and urged citizens to resist supposed electoral fraud.

Speaking at the Congress party’s "Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhor" rally at Ramlila Maidan, the Wayanad MP stated, "Understanding the importance of a vote is crucial. What does a vote signify in our lives?"

“A vote is your right to elect a government and hold it accountable,” she emphasized, accusing those in power of trying to strip this right away from the electorate.

“When Rahulji and Khargeji called for a discussion in Parliament regarding vote theft via EVMs, they were met with fear,” she remarked.

She further claimed that the government diverts public attention from pressing issues like inflation, unemployment, and paper leaks to evade discussions in Parliament. “The government has faltered on numerous fronts,” she argued.

“They lack the courage to confront these issues because they’re aware that they wouldn’t win even one fair election using ballot paper,” Priyanka Gandhi stated.

Encouraging Congress supporters not to lose hope following the party’s defeat in Bihar, she reiterated, “As Rahul Gandhi mentioned in a press conference, they prevail only through vote theft.”

She alleged they won by eliminating the names of 65 lakh voters during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

Priyanka Gandhi noted that Rahul Gandhi had previously exposed electoral malpractices in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

Criticizing the Election Commission of India (ECI) for permitting rival parties to breach the model code of conduct, she claimed, “They distributed Rs 10,000 even while the model code was in effect, and the ECI turned a blind eye. If this isn’t ‘vote chori’, then what is?”

She asserted that institutions like the judiciary, media, parliament, political parties, and the Opposition are meant to uphold democracy.

“However, these institutions are being undermined, and a collective effort from the public is essential to protect them and secure their future,” she concluded.

Priyanka Gandhi recounted how in prior elections, Chief Ministers faced imprisonment, the Congress party’s bank accounts were frozen, and various accusations were made to coerce opponents into their ranks.