The All India Congress Committee (AICC) launched a significant nationwide signature campaign today, aiming to collect 5 crore signatures to petition the President of India regarding alleged “Vote Chori” and electoral irregularities. AICC General Secretary G.A. Mir announced this initiative while addressing the press at Omoh, Verinag in South Kashmir’s Anantnag.
This campaign will run from September 15 to October 15, focusing on raising awareness about voting rights and curbing electoral malpractices. Mir emphasized the importance of citizens’ participation, stating that the campaign has made people more aware and sensitive about their voting rights.
Mir accused the ruling party of orchestrating a “theft of votes” through collusion between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the BJP. He cited alarming statistics, claiming that approximately 65 lakh votes have been deleted in Bihar, which he condemned as a “murder of democracy.” Mir remarked, “Vote Chori is a crime, a blot on democracy, and a direct assault on the electoral rights of people.”
“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,” Mir stated.
The AICC has characterized the signature campaign as a critical step towards addressing the increasing number of reports regarding deletion of genuine voters and registration of fake votes. Mir explained that in many regions of the country, people face barriers preventing them from reaching polling booths.
The Congress Party’s opposition leader, Rahul Gandhi, has exposed these manipulations, drawing attention to the ongoing scenarios in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and now Bihar. Mir mentioned the party’s dedication to combating the alleged ‘ECI-BJP nexus’ to protect voter identity.
“A 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 wrote on social media.
MLA Nizam Ud Din Bhat, who also spoke at the event, described the campaign as an “indigenous people’s movement” initiated by Rahul Gandhi to safeguard democracy and uphold voter rights. He called for robust participation from all citizens to ensure the success of this critical initiative.
The significance of this campaign cannot be understated. As citizens grapple with ongoing concerns regarding electoral integrity, the AICC’s efforts may serve as a catalyst for change. This movement encourages individuals to actively engage in the democratic process and safeguard their rights.
In summary, the AICC signature campaign against “Vote Chori” responds to urgent calls for electoral reform and justice. With the goal of gathering 5 crore signatures within a month, the Congress Party aims to mobilize public sentiment and catalyze a broader dialogue on electoral integrity across India.
