Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Gehlot alleges ECI collusion, claims 'vote theft' in Bihar polls
A politician named Ashok Gehlot is saying that the people in charge of elections in Bihar did not do their job fairly.
He believes they worked with the ruling party and let money and gifts, like ₹10,000 for women and pensions, be given out to voters right before the election.
Gehlot says this is like stealing votes because it unfairly helped some people win.
He remembers that in another state, Rajasthan, election officials stopped similar things from happening before an election.
Gehlot feels that using too much money in politics is bad for democracy and that India needs the ideas of his party, the Congress.
Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of colluding with the ruling party in Bihar.
Gehlot claimed that Rs 10,000 cash to women, pensions, and other benefits were distributed to voters despite the model code of conduct being in force.
He contrasted the ECI's alleged inaction in Bihar with its swift action in Rajasthan to halt such distributions before elections.
Gehlot described the situation as 'vote theft' due to the influence of money power and the ECI's failure to intervene.
He expressed concern that the BJP's 'money power' poses a threat to democracy.
- Who
- Ashok Gehlot, Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister
- What
- Accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of colluding with the ruling party and alleged 'vote theft' due to alleged inaction regarding cash and benefit distribution during the Bihar assembly elections.
- When
- Friday
- Where
- Bihar assembly elections
- Why
- Gehlot claims that the ECI did not intervene to stop the distribution of money and benefits, which he believes unfairly influenced the election outcome, contrasting it with actions taken during elections in Rajasthan.
- Allegation
- Election Commission of India (ECI) colluded with the ruling party in Bihar and remained a mute spectator.
- Specific Malpractice Claimed
- Distribution of cash and benefits, including Rs 10,000 to women and pension payments, continued during the election campaign despite the model code of conduct.
- Comparison
- In Rajasthan, mobile phone distribution and pension disbursements were halted immediately after the code of conduct came into effect.
- Term Used
- Gehlot termed the alleged inaction and unfair practices as 'vote theft'.
- Broader Concern
- Gehlot stated that money power amassed by the BJP poses a threat to democracy.
