Shashi Tharoor Backs Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Vote Chori’ Claim, Calls for Urgent Action From Election Commission

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has publicly supported Rahul Gandhi’s explosive allegations of electoral fraud, stating that the issue of “vote chori” must be addressed immediately. He emphasised that democracy is too fragile to tolerate carelessness, incompetence, or intentional manipulation. Tharoor’s backing adds weight to the push for transparency and credibility in India’s electoral process.

Backing the Allegations
Rahul Gandhi has accused the Election Commission of being complicit with the ruling party in rigging certain seats—particularly citing anomalous figures from Karnataka, including duplicate and fake voters, and missing or misused voter data. He described the evidence as convincing and termed the process as staged.

Tharoor reinforced these concerns, saying that such serious issues deserve prompt investigation and public clarity. He urged proper action from the Election Commission to uphold faith in democratic institutions.

What the Election Commission Is Doing
In response, the Election Commission has formally asked Gandhi to submit a sworn declaration detailing the alleged fraudulent voters by name and constituency. The request comes with legal consequences for false declarations, underscoring the seriousness of the matter.

The Commission’s move reflects its intent to address the accusations through due process, while preserving institutional integrity.

Relevance for the Wider Public
For voters outside the metropolitan hubs, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, these developments matter. Allegations of vote manipulation strike at the very heart of citizens’ trust in elections. People need to feel that their votes count, and any shadow over that affects the social contract between the state and its citizens.

Conclusion
Shashi Tharoor’s strong support for Rahul Gandhi’s claims marks a moment of political gravity, pushing the Election Commission to clarify and act swiftly. As the nation watches, how the institutions respond will determine whether public faith in India’s democracy is preserved or shaken