Maharashtra Congress Demands CM Devendra Fadnavis’ Resignation After ‘Vote Theft’ Allegations

**Mumbai: Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations of ‘Vote Chori’ Stir Sharp Reactions Across Political Spectrum**

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent allegations of “vote chori” (vote theft) against the Election Commission of India (ECI), citing irregularities in voter lists in Karnataka and Maharashtra, have sparked strong reactions from both the BJP and its allies, as well as the Opposition.

Addressing media soon after Gandhi’s press conference, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Harshwardhan Sapkal demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

“After the vote theft exposed in Rajura assembly constituency in Chandrapur district, CM Fadnavis has no right to continue in office,” Sapkal said. He added, “As many as 6,850 votes were manipulated in the constituency, and even an FIR has been registered by the police under the home department headed by the CM. The vote theft is confirmed with the police move.”

Speaking from Thane, the MPCC chief argued that this incident shows the state government has no moral right to remain in power.

Meanwhile, NCP(SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto described Gandhi’s charges as serious and called for an independent probe. “The Congress leader has shown how names from the voters’ list were removed through dubious means, raising questions over the integrity of the ECI,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The Shiv Sena UBT praised Gandhi for exposing what they described as “the real face of the BJP.” Party spokesperson Harshal Pradhan said, “The BJP is rattled because of Rahul Gandhi’s fresh charges with proof.”

On the other hand, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and RPI leader Ramdas Athawale dismissed Gandhi’s allegations as baseless. The NDA ally pointed out that omissions of voters from lists also occurred during the Congress regime.

Keshav Upadhye, chief spokesperson of the state BJP, called Rahul Gandhi the “badshah of vote theft” and demanded an apology. “He should apologise to the people of India for making unfounded allegations about the poll process,” Upadhye said.

Referring to recent revelations related to the Karad assembly constituency — where it was alleged that relatives of former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan have their names registered at different polling booths — Upadhye added, “Nothing can be proven just by allegations. You have to fight a legal battle within the framework of the Constitution.”

MP Sunil Tatakare, state unit chief of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, described Gandhi’s allegations as childish. “The voters are aware enough to understand the narrative being set by Congress. Such charges have been levelled since the Congress was unable to digest the huge defeat in the state assembly polls last year,” he stated.

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