New Delhi, Nov 2026 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday addressed the INDIA bloc’s rally at Ramlila Maidan, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and vowing to fight what he described as “vote chori” to protect democracy and the Constitution.
Addressing the ‘Dilli Chalo’ rally, Gandhi alleged that the Chief Election Commissioner’s actions amounted to an exceptionally serious offence and called for him to face trial and imprisonment.
“The vote chori carried out by him is of the ‘rarest of rare’ category in legal terms,” Gandhi said, accusing Kumar of manipulating electronic voting machines (EVMs) and facilitating the removal of 13.5 crore names from electoral rolls.
He alleged that the CEC had acted in the interests of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “What Gyanesh Kumar has done for PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah tantamounts to treason and theft of the voice of every citizen,” he said.
Gandhi also warned that Modi and Shah would face consequences for what he described as attacks on the Constitution and democratic institutions. Referring to Shah’s statement that Modi would remain in power, Gandhi said the Opposition would continue its campaign until the leaders were held accountable.
The Congress leader made allegations of electoral manipulation in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and several Assembly polls, though the claims were not independently established.
‘Constitution is supreme’
Gandhi described the gathering at Ramlila Maidan as a collective expression of concern among youth, farmers and workers over alleged electoral irregularities.
“The people who have gathered here are sending the message that no matter who you are or how powerful and wealthy you are, you are not bigger than the Constitution. The Constitution is supreme,” he said.
He alleged that Modi, Shah and Kumar had attacked the “soul, democracy and Constitution” of the country, adding that the Opposition would not accept such actions.
Gandhi claimed that the three leaders were facing sleepless nights because of what he called their collective wrongdoing over “vote chori” and the consequences they could face.
He said citizens did not want a country marked by hatred and violence or one controlled by a small group of wealthy individuals.
Congress accuses Centre and RSS of controlling institutions
The Congress leader accused the Union government and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of exercising control over national institutions and government agencies.
He said the Opposition’s campaign was aimed at defending democratic processes and ensuring that citizens’ voting rights were protected.
Gandhi also reiterated his message of brotherhood and non-violence, saying he had no personal enemies. He revived his “Mohabat ki Dukan” slogan, telling supporters that the “shop of love” would soon reopen.
The INDIA bloc rally was part of the Opposition’s wider campaign against alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and its demand for action against the Chief Election Commissioner. The alliance has said it will continue to raise the issue, while the allegations made by its leaders remain contested.
