Congress leader Sachin Pilot accuses Centre of undermining institutions at Congress rally

Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Sunday accused the Modi government of hollowing out key institutions, urging citizens to protect the integrity of India’s electoral system and uphold the country’s democratic values.

Speaking at the ‘Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod’ rally at Ramlila Maidan, Pilot raised concerns about the neutrality of the Election Commission, saying that questions over its impartiality remain unanswered.

“People have gathered here to challenge a government that, over the last 11 years, has created an environment to hollow out institutions. This cannot continue. Today, Kharge ji and Rahul Gandhi ji have called you to make a beginning. This will be a long fight,” Pilot said, referring to Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.

He warned that institutions nurtured for decades are being weakened, and that attempts are being made to manipulate elections through misuse of power and partiality.

Highlighting India’s standing as a model democracy in contrast to neighbouring countries like China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, Pilot stressed that the Election Commission should remain above party politics. He claimed that despite Rahul Gandhi presenting multiple examples of ‘vote chori’ (vote theft), no inquiry has been initiated.

“Protesting continuously in the streets is necessary. The right to vote, granted by the Constitution, is our biggest boon. Now, lakhs of names are being struck off, opposition voices are being suppressed, and we are forced to approach courts to ensure the EC hears us,” he said.

Pilot concluded by emphasizing the citizen’s duty to protect the impartiality of elections, saying, “This will be a long fight. They want to rule by arrogance, and we want to move forward with ahimsa, love, and taking everyone along.”