Archive · 24 Sep 2026
BJP Rejects Rahul Gandhi’s Vote Chori Claims as Damp Squib
Rahul Gandhi said there may be problems with how votes and voter lists are handled.
He also asked why voters have not turned against the BJP after many years in power.
The BJP rejected his claims and said they were false.
BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said Gandhi did not understand Indian politics well.
BJP leader Bhandari called the press conference unsuccessful.
The BJP also questioned the newspaper report Gandhi used.
BJP leaders said Congress has needed help from political allies in some elections.
Both sides are arguing about elections, voter lists, and why parties win or lose.
Rahul Gandhi renewed his “vote chori” allegations after a report described disagreements among Election Commissioners over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Gandhi argued that anti-incumbency is a fundamental force in India and questioned why the BJP continues winning elections.
BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi accused Gandhi of making false claims and lacking a basic understanding of Indian politics.
BJP leader Bhandari called Gandhi’s press conference a “damp squib” and disputed his claim that the BJP has faced no anti-incumbency since 2014.
The BJP questioned the newspaper report and Gandhi’s presentation, while alleging that Congress victories in several seats depended on allies.
- Who
- Rahul Gandhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party, Sudhanshu Trivedi, and BJP leader Bhandari.
- What
- The BJP criticized Gandhi’s renewed “vote chori” allegations and his comments about anti-incumbency.
- When
- Thursday.
- Where
- India; the remarks were made during and after a press conference.
- Why
- Gandhi raised concerns linked to a report about disagreements among Election Commissioners over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, while the BJP sought to reject his claims.
Rahul Gandhi and Congress
Bharatiya Janata Party
Vote and electoral-roll allegations
Rahul Gandhi and Congress
Gandhi renewed “vote chori” allegations after a report about disagreements among Election Commissioners over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Bharatiya Janata Party
The BJP questioned the newspaper report, saying it did not include statements from the Election Commissioners, and called Gandhi’s claims false.
Anti-incumbency
Rahul Gandhi and Congress
Gandhi described anti-incumbency as a fundamental force in India and asked why the BJP continues winning elections.
Bharatiya Janata Party
The BJP said the claim that the BJP has faced no anti-incumbency since 2014 was false, citing 20 election losses since then.
Political understanding and electoral strength
Rahul Gandhi and Congress
Gandhi argued that the BJP’s continued victories require explanation despite possible anti-incumbency pressure.
Bharatiya Janata Party
Trivedi said Gandhi lacked political understanding, while alleging that Congress depended on allies in Rae Bareli, Amethi, and Wayanad.
- Main allegation
- Rahul Gandhi renewed allegations described as “vote chori”.
- Election-roll issue
- The allegations followed a report about a rift among Election Commissioners over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
- BJP response
- Sudhanshu Trivedi called Gandhi’s claims false and said he lacked a fundamental understanding of Indian politics.
- Press-conference criticism
- BJP leader Bhandari called Gandhi’s press conference a “damp squib” and “Jhoot Ki Goonj.”
- Anti-incumbency claim
- Gandhi described anti-incumbency as a fundamental force and questioned why the BJP continues winning elections.
- BJP election claim
- Bhandari said the BJP has lost 20 elections since 2014, disputing Gandhi’s claim that it has faced no anti-incumbency.
- Alliances cited
- Trivedi alleged that Congress relied on the Samajwadi Party in Rae Bareli and Amethi and benefited from Indian Union Muslim League support in Wayanad.