‘Modi, Shah can go anywhere but will be caught for vote chori’: Rahul Gandhi at Bihar rally

Patna: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday intensified his attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah “will eventually be caught for indulging in vote chori”.

Speaking at a poll rally in Bihar’s Kishanganj ahead of the upcoming state elections, Gandhi alleged that the BJP, in coordination with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), was attempting to divide the nation. In contrast, he said, the opposition INDIA bloc was working to unite the country’s citizens.

“Modi, Shah and the Election Commission have no replies to our allegations of vote theft because the truth is out before the people,” Gandhi declared. “They can go anywhere they like, but they will eventually be caught.”

He further claimed that large-scale electoral manipulation had been exposed in Haryana, where “around 25 lakh fake names were found in a list of two crore voters”. Gandhi said neither the Prime Minister nor the Chief Election Commissioner had dared to challenge his assertions.

Calling for vigilance on polling day, Gandhi urged the people of Bihar to ensure that “no vote theft takes place” and said that if the public stands united, the INDIA bloc would “100 per cent form the next government in Bihar”.

Addressing the crowd in the Seemanchal region, which has a significant Muslim population, Gandhi accused the BJP and RSS of pushing a divisive narrative to distract from electoral malpractice. “Modi and Shah are scared of the people’s voice. They have betrayed the soul of India,” he stated.

The Congress leader also criticised the BJP-led central government and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for Bihar’s unemployment crisis, pointing out that Bihari workers continue to migrate to other states for employment.

“Why can such hardworking people not get work at home?” Gandhi asked. “Nitish Kumar has ruled for 20 years but failed to set up industries like food processing units despite Bihar’s agricultural wealth.”

At another rally in Purnea, Gandhi predicted a sweeping victory for the opposition alliance, asserting that “the BJP-led government will not return to power in the state and Nitish Kumar will not lead the next government.”

Rahul Gandhi’s comments came just days before Bihar heads to the polls on November 11, as part of the crucial state assembly elections. His remarks are part of a broader campaign strategy by the Congress and its allies within the INDIA bloc to position themselves as defenders of democratic integrity amid allegations of manipulation and misuse of electoral machinery.

The term “vote chori” — or vote theft — has become a rallying slogan for Gandhi in recent months, as he seeks to highlight what he describes as irregularities in electoral rolls across several states. The Election Commission has not officially responded to his latest claims.

Analysts note that Gandhi’s sharp rhetoric in Seemanchal reflects an effort to mobilise minority voters and youth in regions where unemployment and migration remain key concerns. His repeated references to Nitish Kumar’s economic record aim to capitalise on discontent among younger voters seeking job opportunities within Bihar.

Political observers say the INDIA bloc’s challenge in Bihar remains significant, given the BJP’s established rural base and Nitish Kumar’s long-standing influence. However, Gandhi’s aggressive campaigning and focus on “vote theft” allegations may help the opposition consolidate anti-incumbency sentiment.
(With PTI inputs)