‘I challenge BJP to contest polls on a ballot paper’: Priyanka Gandhi on ‘vote theft’

New Delhi: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP at a mega rally in the national capital, alleging large-scale “vote theft”, undermining of democratic institutions and irregularities in the conduct of elections.

Addressing the Congress rally at Ramlila Maidan, Priyanka Gandhi underscored the significance of the vote in a democracy, linking it to India’s freedom struggle.

“It is very important to understand what a vote is and what its value is in our lives. A long time ago, when the freedom struggle had begun, and Nehru travelled from place to place to meet people, a slogan used to echo wherever he went—'Bharat Mata ki Jai.' At that time, Nehru explained what Bharat Mata truly means...,” she said.

Escalating her attack on the ruling party, Priyanka Gandhi directly challenged the BJP over the electoral process.

“I challenge BJP to contest polls on a ballot paper, they know they will never win,” she said at the Congress rally against alleged “vote theft”.

She also raised concerns over the credibility of elections, alleging systemic flaws and interference.

“Elections not being conducted properly, there is suspicion at every step,” Priyanka Gandhi said.

Accusing the government of weakening democratic checks and balances, she further alleged, “All institutions in country being made to bend before govt.”

The Congress party organised the rally as part of its intensified campaign against alleged electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue, describing the event as a decisive political battle against the BJP-led government.

Congress leader Rajesh Thakur said the rally was being held under the slogan “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod”.

“With the slogan 'Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod,' we are moving forward under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. Everyone has been given the right to one vote, and everything is determined by that vote. An attempt is being made to snatch it away, and we will not let it be snatched. Today, in lakhs and lakhs in number, we will force them to leave the throne,” Thakur said.

The rally comes amid heightened political activity linked to the Congress’s nationwide agitation over alleged electoral malpractice. Earlier, tensions had flared in Lucknow on November 27 during a Youth Congress protest under the same campaign.

The demonstration, which began peacefully, escalated after protesters attempted to cross police barricades and block key roads while marching towards the Vidhan Sabha. Several Youth Congress workers were detained for refusing to disperse, a move criticised by party leaders, who alleged that peaceful democratic protests were met with excessive police action.