Amid ‘Vote Theft’ Allegations, Congress to Hold ‘Save Democracy Torch March’ on This Special Day

National News: The Congress Party has announced a series of public campaigns to protest what it claims is large-scale electoral fraud in the country. This comes after party leader Rahul Gandhi accused the Election Commission of failing to prevent vote manipulation, calling it a direct attack on Indian democracy.

Independence Day Torch March

To mark the eve of Independence Day, on 14 August, Congress will hold a ‘Save Democracy Torch March’ in all district headquarters across the country. The aim, according to party leaders, is to draw national attention to what they describe as a “deliberate and systematic attack” on the principle of one person, one vote.

The decision was finalized in a meeting led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, which was attended by senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh, and KC Venugopal.

From ‘Vote Theft’ to ‘Robbery’

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar said that the evidence gathered so far suggests this is not just ordinary vote theft but more like an “electoral robbery.” He claimed Rahul Gandhi had presented clear proof showing how the democratic process was being undermined.

Kumar added that the Constitution introduced the one-person, one-vote principle to ensure fairness, but the current situation represents a direct assault on both the Constitution and democracy itself. According to him, the fight to protect voting rights has now become a do-or-die mission for the Congress.

A Three-Phase Protest Plan

Congress has outlined a three-step plan to take its campaign to the people:

• Torch March (14 August): Held on the eve of Independence Day in every district to symbolize the fight for democracy.
• ‘Vote Thief, Quit the Throne’ Rallies (22 August–7 September): A series of rallies demanding accountability from those accused of manipulating the electoral process.
• Signature Campaign (15 September–15 October): A month-long drive to raise awareness about voting rights and to collect public support for electoral reforms.

A United Opposition

Congress hopes this campaign will strengthen unity among opposition parties and send a strong political message ahead of upcoming elections. Kharge has been in touch with leaders from various opposition groups to build consensus and coordinate efforts.

Public Engagement Through Technology

To involve the public more directly, the party has launched a web portal where citizens can register their support. Through this platform, people can demand that the Election Commission be held accountable and push for the adoption of a digital voter list to prevent future irregularities.

Rahul Gandhi has appealed to people across the country to register on the portal and support the movement against what he calls “vote theft.” He emphasized that this is not merely a political fight but a struggle to protect the core values of Indian democracy.

As the Independence Day celebrations approach, Congress leaders believe this protest will serve as a symbolic reminder that freedom is incomplete without free and fair elections.