The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has begun a nationwide signature campaign to gather 5 crore signatures from citizens. This campaign targets electoral irregularities branded as ‘Vote Chori’ and aims to submit a petition to the President of India. Launched by AICC General Secretary G.A. Mir, this initiative will run from September 15 to October 15.
At the kick-off event in Omoh, Verinag in South Kashmir’s Anantnag, Mir emphasized the need for heightened awareness about voter rights among the public. He believes this campaign will make citizens more sensitive to preserving their voting rights and combating electoral malpractices.
Mir accused the ruling party of orchestrating a “theft of votes” through collusion with the Election Commission of India (ECI). He alleges that, under various arrangements, around 65 lakh votes have already been deleted in Bihar, which he labeled as a blatant “murder of democracy.”
“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,” said Mir.
He pointed out serious allegations of tampering with voter lists, claiming votes are being unjustly deleted or added. Mir highlighted the challenges many citizens face in reaching polling booths, underscoring the threat that such actions pose to the democratic process.
“Vote Chori is a crime, a blot on democracy, and a direct assault on the electoral rights of people,” Mir stated emphatically.
He lauded Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for exposing ongoing manipulations, citing instances of genuine voters being deleted and fraudulent registrations being accepted, as seen in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and now Bihar.
Mir, alongside the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, reaffirmed the Congress party’s commitment to challenging what he described as the ‘ECI-BJP nexus’ to protect voter identity and uphold electoral integrity. He believes that only through united efforts can the fabric of democracy be safeguarded.
“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 posted on social media.
Furthermore, MLA Nizam Ud Din Bhat also spoke at the gathering, calling the campaign an “indigenous people’s movement”. Bhat described it as a beacon for protecting democracy and empowering citizens in their voting rights.
As the campaign unfolds, the Congress Party encourages every citizen to participate and ensure their voices are heard. The efforts aim to serve as a reminder that democracy thrives only when people are vigilant and active in the electoral process. This campaign represents a critical moment for Indian democracy and its electoral landscape.
