President Murmu Asks Opposition for Proof of Electoral Malpractice, Rahul Gandhi Says

New Delhi: A 10-member INDIA bloc delegation led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi met President Droupadi Murmu on Friday to demand the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The delegation submitted a memorandum alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Kumar had conspired to undermine Indian democracy.

Speaking after the meeting, Gandhi said the President had not rejected their allegations but instead asked them to provide evidence of electoral malpractice. "She asked us to bring proof of election 'chori' (theft)," Gandhi said. He expressed shock at the President's response, stating he had expected her to deny that electoral irregularities were occurring.

The delegation's memorandum also sought suspension of the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, restoration of names allegedly deleted from voter lists, and a return to ballot paper voting. Gandhi claimed that state after state had been "stolen" and that the 2024 election was compromised, asserting the proof was known to the entire country.