Varanasi: Senior Congress leader and AICC observer Raghu Sharma on Tuesday urged party workers to join the “Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao” campaign and attend the rally in Delhi on Nov 1.
He said “vote theft” was not limited to one election or one state but concerned the health of Indian democracy and the constitutional right of every voter. Sharma claimed that sudden increase in voter numbers in Maharashtra and other states required transparent scrutiny and said concerns had also emerged over the electoral process in Varanasi. Under Congress MP Rahul Gandhi ’s leadership, he said, the party and the INDIA alliance would continue their democratic struggle from the streets to Parliament.
Addressing a news conference at Paradkar Bhavan here, Sharma alleged serious irregularities in voter lists and questioned the Election Commission’s functioning. He demanded the restoration of the Election Commission’s independence, neutrality and public credibility, citing questions over appointments, legal changes and protections granted to election commissioners.
Sharma further appealed to Congress leaders, office-bearers and workers from Varanasi to participate in large numbers in the “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod” maharally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on Nov 1.