AICC Launches Signature Campaign Against ‘Vote Chori’

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary G.A. Mir announced today that the Congress Party has initiated a nationwide effort to collect 5 crore signatures from citizens. This campaign focuses on petitioning the President of India concerning the alleged phenomenon of ‘Vote Chori’ and other electoral irregularities that threaten the democratic process.

This initiative officially kicked off in Omoh, Verinag in South Kashmir’s Anantnag and will run from September 15 to October 15. Mir emphasized that this drive seeks to enhance public awareness regarding their voting rights, labelling it as crucial for protecting democracy.

Mir stated, “We are aiming for 5 crore signatures to present the petition to the President. Our campaign has made people aware of the importance of their vote and sensitized them to the protection of electoral rights—a first since Independence.” He conveyed his concerns over alleged collusion between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the BJP, which he claims orchestrates the manipulation of votes.

According to Mir, in states like Bihar alone, approximately 65 lakh votes have already been deleted, which he describes as a clear violation of democratic principles. He condemned these actions as a “murder of democracy” and pointed out the significant risks posed to fair elections.

“Vote Chori is a crime, a blot on democracy, and a direct assault on the electoral rights of people,” Mir stated, reflecting the Congress’ stance that the integrity of elections is in jeopardy.

During the campaign’s launch, Mir underscored several other critical allegations. He claimed that across various regions, votes are either deleted or manipulated. In addition, he asserted that many voters face hurdles that prevent them from accessing polling booths, further complicating the voting landscape.

In recent speeches, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has emphasized the systemic issues and manipulation within the electoral framework, highlighting instances of deletion of genuine voters and the registration of invalid votes. These issues, notably seen in states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Bihar, raise significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process under the current government.

Mir also expressed the Congress Party’s commitment to combating what they describe as the ‘ECI-BJP nexus’. He reiterated their dedication to safeguarding the identity and rights of voters, aiming to restore confidence in the electoral system.

“Powerful start to the Signature Campaign against ‘Vote Chori’ today in Doru Constituency, Anantnag! Hundreds of committed workers joined from my own polling booth to safeguard our democracy. Every signature counts! We won’t let our voices be stolen,” Mir wrote in a social media post, urging supporters to engage in the campaign actively.

MLA Nizam Ud Din Bhat also joined the campaign launch, describing it as an “indigenous people’s movement”. He praised Rahul Gandhi’s leadership and the essential nature of this initiative in protecting democracy and ensuring voter rights across the nation.

The campaign not only aims to gather signatures but also to foster a heightened sense of awareness among citizens. As the Congress Party rallies support for this cause, it hopes to galvanize a significant movement against perceived electoral misconduct, positioning itself as a protector of democratic values in India.