Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP-led government of weaponising power to steal votes, warning the Election Commission to remain neutral as the Congress escalated its street-level mobilisation.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, December 14, 2025 — Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday launched the Congress party’s high-voltage “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod” rally at Delhi’s historic Ramlila Maidan, framing it as a moral and constitutional battle against what he alleged was systematic electoral manipulation by the BJP-led government, with the complicity of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Addressing a packed ground under a crisp winter sun, Gandhi delivered a fiery 20-minute speech that combined direct accusations, ideological positioning, and a call for sustained mass mobilisation. The rally, attended by tens of thousands of supporters from across the country, marked the Congress’s most aggressive street-level push since its recent electoral setbacks, particularly in Bihar.
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Rahul Gandhi’s Address: ‘Power Enables Vote Theft’
Opening his speech by invoking the ideals of satya (truth) and moral courage, Gandhi accused the ruling establishment of converting political power into a tool for electoral fraud.
“They have satta (power), and they indulge in vote chori,” he declared, drawing loud cheers.
Turning his focus to the Election Commission, Gandhi issued a pointed warning:
“The Election Commission should not forget it is the country’s EC, not Modi’s EC.”
LIVE: Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod Maha Rally | Ramlila Maidan, Delhi https://t.co/G6gO61HAxC
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 14, 2025
He asserted that the Congress’s fight was not merely electoral but existential for India’s democracy, positioning truth as the antidote to what he described as authoritarian capture of institutions.
“I will stand with satya and remove the Narendra Modi–led government from power,” Gandhi said.
Citing discussions from recent parliamentary debates, Gandhi referred to alleged discrepancies in voter rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and claimed electronic voting machine irregularities in states such as Bihar and Maharashtra. He described these developments as a direct assault on constitutional democracy and accused the BJP and its ideological mentor, the RSS, of hollowing out institutions painstakingly built over decades.
Rahul Gandhi also took a jibe at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming he appeared rattled during the parliamentary debate on the vote theft allegations.
“Did you see how Amit Shah’s hands were shaking when he responded to my vote chori allegations in the Lok Sabha?” Gandhi said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
The speech culminated in a call for action, urging supporters to transform anger into a long-term movement stretching from the streets to Parliament. Chants of “Modi Hatao, Desh Bachao” echoed across the maidan as Gandhi concluded.
The Crowd: Pan-India Mobilisation at a Historic Protest Site
An estimated 50,000 to 70,000 people attended the rally, turning Ramlila Maidan—synonymous with landmark protests such as the 2011 anti-corruption movement—into a vibrant display of regional diversity and unified dissent.
Congress workers and supporters arrived in organised contingents via special trains and buses from Jammu, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and other states. By the time gates opened around 11 a.m., the grounds were alive with colour and slogans.
Distinct clusters reflected regional concerns:
- Kerala Youth Congress members in saffron scarves held placards reading “ECI: Neutral Umpire or BJP’s Puppet?”
- Haryana farmers, dressed in white kurtas, carried mock EVMs labelled “Vote Thieves.”
- Delhi’s urban youth led rhythmic chants of “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod.”
Families, women, and children mingled among predominantly young male cadres, lending the gathering a broad-based character. Tricolours fluttered above tents, while massive LED screens relayed live visuals to those at the edges. A towering cutout of Mahatma Gandhi loomed behind the stage, reinforcing the rally’s moral framing.
Security arrangements were extensive, with over 2,000 Delhi Police personnel, barricades, CCTV monitoring, and drone surveillance deployed. Minor entry delays occurred due to bag checks, but no major incidents were reported.
Organisers highlighted a nationwide signature campaign, claiming over five crore endorsements demanding accountability for alleged electoral irregularities. Long scrolls symbolising the petition were unfurled before the crowd, underscoring the movement’s national ambition.
Key Attendees: Congress Leadership Signals Unity
The rally showcased rare unity across the Congress spectrum, bringing together senior leadership and emerging figures.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge inaugurated proceedings, accusing the government of misleading Parliament on allegations of vote theft.
“They did not answer our questions. They gave answers from their own minds and placed incorrect information before Parliament,” Kharge said.
Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, making a notable public appearance despite health concerns, was seated prominently on the dais. Her presence drew prolonged applause and symbolised continuity within the party.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Sharp Intervention
आज देश का युवा बेटिंग ऐप पर पूरा दिन बिताता है।
प्रधानमंत्री के दफ्तर में ही एक शख्स ने बेटिंग ऐप के घोटाले किए हैं, लेकिन ऐसे मुद्दों पर सदन में चर्चा नहीं होती।
मोदी सरकार महंगाई, बेरोजगारी, महिला सुरक्षा जैसे जरूरी मुद्दों पर कहीं बात ही नहीं करती। ये सरकार हर मोर्चे पर विफल… pic.twitter.com/OMxg0VYTdg
— Congress (@INCIndia) December 14, 2025
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra followed Rahul Gandhi with an impassioned 15-minute speech that intensified the attack on institutional erosion. Questioning the integrity of the electoral process, she said suspicion now shadowed every stage of elections.
“When institutions are crushed and the Election Commission shuts its eyes to money being distributed during polls, is this not vote chori?” she asked.
She challenged the BJP to contest elections on ballot papers, asserting that transparency would expose the ruling party’s vulnerabilities.
“The entire country knows how the BJP wins elections,” she said, urging supporters not to lose heart over recent defeats and to rise collectively against institutional capture.
Her remarks struck a chord, particularly with women-led delegations from Uttar Pradesh.
Other senior leaders present included AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, Sachin Pilot, and Jairam Ramesh, who presented data on voter deletions linked to the SIR process. Regional allies also lent support: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy arrived with a large delegation, while Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar addressed the gathering via video link.
The BJP responded swiftly. Spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi accused the Congress of using “abusive language” and pushing an “anti-national agenda,” claiming more than 150 instances of derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the event.
As the rally concluded around 6 p.m. with cultural performances, the Congress declared it the launchpad of a year-long nationwide campaign. The party plans to submit its petition to President Droupadi Murmu and escalate demands for reforms, including a renewed push for ballot paper voting.
The Ramlila Maidan mobilisation not only amplified the Congress’s post-Bihar narrative but also served as a test of its capacity to convert public anger into sustained political momentum in the run-up to future electoral battles.
