Nikhil Kumaraswamy Slams Rahul Gandhi Over EVM Doubts in Karnataka Vote Theft Row
In a sharp exchange heating up Karnataka politics, Janata Dal (Secular) leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy fired back at Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday. He questioned the Congress leader’s faith in electronic voting machines (EVMs) after Gandhi raised concerns about vote theft during the party’s "My Vote My Right" campaign.
Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Kumaraswamy pointed out what he sees as inconsistency in Congress’s stance. "Rahul Gandhi talks about vote theft because he lacks confidence in EVMs. Now, he wants to switch back to the old ballot paper system," Kumaraswamy said. He reminded everyone that when the UPA government came to power years ago, they relied on EVMs too—not ballot papers.
Kumaraswamy didn’t stop there. He turned his criticism toward the Karnataka government, urging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to step down if EVM doubts are real. "Congress won about 136 seats in the recent assembly elections, yet they’re questioning the EVMs now," he added. "If that’s the case, Congress and the CM should resign, and we need fresh elections to settle this."
The fresh controversy over vote theft in Karnataka kicked off on Monday, when Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar launched the "My Vote My Right" campaign at Vidhana Soudha. The event marked International Day of Democracy and aimed to protect voting rights.
At the launch, Siddaramaiah warned against corruption in elections. "To hold onto power, some have chosen the path of corruption," he said. "That’s why ‘My Vote My Right’ matters so much. We can’t let votes get misused or allow voting fraud to happen."
DK Shivakumar echoed the sentiment, highlighting the campaign’s goal to educate young people and students on democracy and leadership. "The ballot is stronger than a bullet," he declared. "It ended monarchy and put elected leaders like Siddaramaiah and me in charge. This voting power is what builds true leaders."
As EVM debates and vote theft allegations stir up Karnataka politics, the "My Vote My Right" campaign could play a big role in shaping public trust in elections ahead.
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