Rahul Gandhi to Visit K’taka on August 4 over Alleged Poll Malpractices
Bengaluru
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will visit Bengaluru on August 4 to submit a memorandum to the State Election Commission regarding alleged electoral malpractices in a Karnataka constituency, Home Minister G. Parameshwara said on Wednesday.
“Rahul Gandhi believes irregularities took place during the elections. He will submit a letter to the Election Commission during his visit,” Parameshwara told reporters. He added that the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) will organize events around Gandhi’s visit, although details are yet to be finalized.
While a rally has not been confirmed, Parameshwara said the party is considering a gathering at Freedom Park, keeping in mind the 2022 High Court ruling restricting processions in Bengaluru.
The visit comes amid Gandhi’s strong criticism of the Election Commission of India, alleging it allowed large-scale voter manipulation. “We now have 100% proof. Thousands of fake names, many aged 45, 50, 60, were added. We caught them,” Gandhi said earlier.
Congress sources claim evidence has emerged showing voters from three Assembly segments in Bengaluru Central voted in another state, and that names from specific communities were selectively removed from rolls. A high-level meeting led by KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar is being held to plan the event.
Congress leaders, including AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, are expected to join the protest. A padyatra or mass rally is being considered.
Meanwhile, Karnataka’s Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukumar has denied the allegations, stating the electoral process remains transparent and no formal appeals were received.