Congress Stages Fierce Protest: 5 Demands Over ‘Vote Theft’ at Freedom Park
The Congress party is set to stage a major protest today at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating what it calls a “theft of votes” during the recent Lok Sabha elections. With party workers, senior leaders and supporters expected to gather in large numbers, the protest aims to raise questions about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
A Fight for Democracy, Says Congress
Describing the event as a peaceful demonstration to “protect democracy,” the Congress has alleged widespread tampering and manipulation in the vote-counting process in several constituencies. Senior leaders including Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are expected to join the protest.
“The people of India voted one way but the results said something else. We are here to ask questions and demand answers,” said D K Shivakumar while speaking to reporters on Thursday evening. He added that the protest is not just about one party’s loss but about the “integrity of Indian democracy.”
Allegations of Irregularities
The Congress has pointed to what it calls glaring irregularities in the counting process, especially in certain constituencies where margins were extremely tight. In some seats, candidates lost by less than 1,000 votes and the party claims that re-counting was either denied or rushed through without proper verification.
Party spokespersons have raised concerns over alleged inconsistencies in Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) data and postal ballots. They are demanding an independent inquiry into specific constituencies where they believe the results were manipulated.
Not Just a Political Statement
While the protest has strong political overtones, for many Congress supporters on the ground it is also deeply personal. Speaking outside KPCC headquarters before heading to Freedom Park, Anjali Nair, a long-time party worker, said, “We walked door to door. We campaigned day and night. And now we are being told it was all meaningless. We need to stand up.”
Others like Mohammed Altaf, a student volunteer, see the protest as a civic responsibility. “Whether you’re Congress, BJP or anyone else, voting is sacred. If people feel cheated, it’s not just a loss for one party but for every citizen,” he said.
Government Responds Cautiously
The BJP has dismissed the Congress claims as “sour grapes” and accused the party of trying to stir unrest after losing key seats. “They are unable to accept the mandate of the people. The election process was fair and monitored by the Election Commission. These protests are just political theatre,” said BJP state president B Y Vijayendra.
The Election Commission has so far not responded directly to the allegations but officials have maintained that the vote-counting process followed all standard protocols and legal procedures.
Security Measures in Place
In anticipation of a large turnout, Bengaluru police have tightened security around Freedom Park and surrounding areas. Barricades have been set up and traffic diversions are expected throughout the day. Authorities have urged participants to remain peaceful and have warned against any attempt to disrupt public order.
City Police Commissioner B Dayananda confirmed that sufficient personnel would be deployed to ensure the protest proceeds without incident. “We are here to facilitate democratic expression. As long as it remains peaceful, there is no issue,” he said.
A Bigger Message?
While the immediate spark is the 2024 Lok Sabha election results, the Congress seems to be using the moment to reignite public discourse on electoral reforms and accountability. The party has indicated that today’s protest may be the beginning of a wider national campaign.
Whether or not the protest changes the official outcome of any constituency, it has already stirred strong emotions among supporters and reignited conversations about trust in the electoral system.
For many gathering at Freedom Park today, it’s not just a question of winning or losing. It’s about making sure every vote counts and that the system remains worthy of the people’s faith.
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