Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a blistering attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party while raising serious concerns about electoral integrity during his election rallies in Bihar on Friday. The senior politician accused the ruling party of large-scale electoral manipulation, terming it as "vote chori" or vote theft, while also making indirect references to the Election Commission of India's inaction on the matter.
Allegations of Electoral Malpractice
Addressing enthusiastic crowds at Amarpur in Banka district, Bhagalpur, and Kahalgaon, Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Congress party has gathered substantial evidence of vote manipulation during the Haryana and other state assembly polls. He expressed deep disappointment that the Election Commission of India has chosen to ignore these critical issues that threaten the very foundation of Indian democracy.
"Those responsible for safeguarding the electoral rights of citizens have turned a blind eye towards the theft of your votes and future," Gandhi stated emphatically during his speeches. He showed confidence that the people of Bihar would strongly resist any such electoral irregularities in the upcoming elections.
Vision for Bihar's Development
Positioning the Mahagathbandhan as the solution to Bihar's developmental challenges, Rahul Gandhi outlined an ambitious vision for the state's transformation. He described Bihar as "a land of knowledge" with ancient seats of learning like Nalanda and Vikramshila Mahavihara, while accusing successive NDA governments of neglecting the state's progress.
"Progress has taken a backseat in Bihar," he remarked, promising that the Grand Alliance would ensure comprehensive development by connecting ancient institutions with tourist circuits to establish Bihar as a global tourist destination.
The Congress leader highlighted specific economic initiatives including:
- Establishing food processing industries to promote agricultural products like makhana
- Boosting the tussar industry to create employment opportunities
- Strengthening educational institutions and healthcare services across the state
Criticism of NDA Government Policies
Rahul Gandhi didn't mince words while criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA government for their alleged favoritism toward large industrial houses at the expense of the poor. Without naming specific individuals, he made pointed references to prominent business figures benefiting from government policies.
In a particularly sharp comment, he questioned: "Why is it that the home minister's son, Jay Shah, who does not even know how to hold a cricket bat, has become an authority in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and other associations?"
He accused the NDA government of failing to support marginalized communities, specifically mentioning the non-waiver of loans for farmers and small borrowers. Gandhi strongly criticized the current administration for "turning Bihar into a labourers' colony of India," referring to the large number of Bihari workers employed across the country.
Concluding his address with an optimistic note, Rahul Gandhi declared: "Bihar badla ja sakta hai… hum badlenge Bihar" (it is possible to bring changes in Bihar… we will ensure positive changes in Bihar). He expressed confidence that the Mahagathbandhan would secure a clear majority in the assembly elections and form a government committed to Bihar's comprehensive development and self-reliance.
