What is the 'Vote Chori' protest? Shivakumar in Delhi, Siddaramaiah visiting tomorrow?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- D.K. Shivakumar leads the charge against alleged voter roll discrepancies.
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will join the protest, indicating party unity.
- The protest aims to spotlight issues affecting minority voters.
- Concerns over leadership struggles within the Congress party are emerging.
- Protest reflects broader electoral challenges faced by the party.
Bengaluru, Dec 13 (NationPress) D.K. Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and the Karnataka Congress President, arrived in Delhi on Saturday to participate in the 'Vote Chori' protest scheduled for December 14 at Ramlila Maidan.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah plans to join him in Delhi on Sunday.
Addressing the 'Vote Chori' controversy, Shivakumar claimed that the names of minority voters have been systematically removed from electoral rolls nationwide.
“Our leader, Rahul Gandhi, has highlighted this matter. They have not addressed our queries; instead, they are demanding us to furnish information. The information has not been provided under the Right to Information Act (RTI). I too have requested the information, but it was not given,” he stated.
When asked if he would request a meeting with Sonia Gandhi post-protest, he replied, “I have a matter to discuss. The Delhi Police have asked me for specifics concerning donations in the National Herald case. I have consulted my attorney and will seek legal counsel before meeting the Delhi Police. I will inform the media once I reach a decision.”
He further mentioned that police officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had sent 18 letters requesting data, yet received no replies.
“The report has now surfaced. This issue is not limited to Karnataka; similar occurrences have been reported in Bihar, Maharashtra, and other states,” Shivakumar contended.
Additionally, he noted that a special train from Bengaluru intended to transport party workers to Delhi was canceled at the last moment.
Sources within the Congress party indicated that the high command, worried about recent events in Karnataka, may address the leadership struggle between the two leaders informally.
They added that following the defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections, the high command is keen to avoid any internal conflict that could jeopardize the government.
While Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to return to Karnataka on Sunday evening, Shivakumar will remain in Delhi and return to Bengaluru on Monday evening (December 15). Both leaders have asserted they are meeting with national figures, although not specifically regarding the leadership matter.