Rahul Gandhi Claims Government Officials Providing Information on Electoral Concerns

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday levelled significant allegations against the central government and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Addressing a press conference ahead of an INDIA bloc protest march to the Supreme Court, the Raebareli MP claimed that approximately 200 government officials are currently in contact with the opposition to provide information. According to Gandhi, these sources include personnel from the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation, and the Ministry of External Affairs.Gandhi directed his remarks toward the CEC, suggesting that Kumar was experiencing distress due to the ongoing campaign against alleged electoral irregularities. When asked if he had a message for the poll body chief, Gandhi urged him to resign, asserting that while a "mistake" had been made, he believed Kumar was acting under pressure from the Prime Minister, Home Minister Amit Shah, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Gandhi stated, "We know that you have been forced by the Prime Minister, Amit Shah, Ajit Doval. It is very easy for you, resign and get out of the way."The opposition's planned march to the Supreme Court stems from concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and allegations of "vote chori." Gandhi further criticised the security measures implemented in the national capital, noting that Delhi had been turned into a "fortress" with a large deployment of police personnel. He alleged that authorities were actively preventing citizens from reaching the city by disrupting train and bus services.Gandhi argued that the government's efforts to provide security for the CEC were counterproductive, as they served to highlight the opposition's claims. He further claimed that a significant portion of the deployed security personnel sympathised with the opposition's movement. The INDIA bloc continues to press for the removal of the CEC, with Gandhi stating that the movement against these alleged irregularities is becoming increasingly solidified.