Did Sonia Gandhi Vote Before Becoming an Indian Citizen?
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Synopsis
In a bold assertion, BJP's Amit Malviya claims that Sonia Gandhi was registered as a voter before she gained Indian citizenship. This raises serious questions about electoral law compliance and the implications for her political legacy. Discover the details surrounding this controversy that could redefine political narratives in India.
Key Takeaways
- Allegations of illegal voter registration against Sonia Gandhi.
- First voter registration in 1980, prior to citizenship.
- Electoral laws require Indian citizenship for voter registration.
- Public uproar led to the deletion of her name in 1982.
- Concerns about the integrity of electoral processes.
New Delhi, Aug 13 (NationPress) The head of the BJP IT Cell, Amit Malviya, asserted on Wednesday that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was registered as a voter in India prior to acquiring her Indian citizenship. This statement was made in response to criticisms from the Congress party regarding alleged irregularities in the voters' list and their opposition to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
Malviya claimed, “Sonia Gandhi’s connection with India’s voters’ list is marked by serious violations of electoral law. This may explain Rahul Gandhi’s inclination towards regularizing ineligible and illegal voters, as well as his resistance to the SIR,” according to his post on X.
He noted that Sonia Gandhi’s name first appeared on the electoral rolls in 1980, three years before she became an Indian citizen, during which time she still held Italian citizenship. At that time, the Gandhi family resided at 1, Safdarjung Road, the official residence of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Up until then, the individuals registered at that address included Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, and Maneka Gandhi.
Malviya further mentioned that the electoral rolls for the New Delhi parliamentary constituency were updated with January 1, 1980, as the qualifying date. In this revision, Sonia Gandhi’s name was recorded at serial number 388 in polling station 145.
“This registration was a clear infringement of the law, which stipulates that only Indian citizens can register as voters,” Malviya alleged.
After a public uproar in 1982, her name was removed; however, it re-emerged in 1983.
He highlighted that during the new revision that year, Sonia Gandhi was listed at serial number 236 in polling station 140, with January 1, 1983, as the qualifying date — even though she was granted Indian citizenship only on April 30, 1983.
“In essence, Sonia Gandhi’s name was added to the electoral rolls twice without fulfilling the fundamental citizenship requirement — first in 1980 as an Italian citizen, and again in 1983, just months before she legally became an Indian citizen,” he stated.
Malviya also raised questions about why it took her 15 years after marrying Rajiv Gandhi to accept Indian citizenship. “If this isn’t blatant electoral malpractice, what is?” he questioned, as he attached an excerpt from the 1980 electoral rolls to his post.
Point of View
It’s crucial to approach this sensitive matter with impartiality. The allegations made by Amit Malviya against Sonia Gandhi regarding her voter registration prompt a deeper inquiry into electoral laws and their application. It’s essential to uphold the values of transparency and accountability in our democratic processes.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against Sonia Gandhi?
Amit Malviya alleges that Sonia Gandhi was registered as a voter in India before becoming an Indian citizen, which would violate electoral laws.
When did Sonia Gandhi acquire Indian citizenship?
Sonia Gandhi was granted Indian citizenship on April 30, 1983.
What do the electoral laws state regarding voter registration?
Electoral laws mandate that only Indian citizens can register to vote.
What was the response from the Congress party?
The Congress party criticized the allegations and opposed the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
What evidence did Malviya provide for his claims?
Malviya attached an excerpt from the 1980 electoral rolls to support his allegations.
