Congress to discuss with ‘India’ constituents for united response on vote theft: Khera

The Congress on Sunday said it will hold discussions with allies of the opposition alliance ‘India’ in the next few days to formulate a united response to allegations of manipulation of voter lists in several states. Congress leader Pawan Khera said a mass campaign has been launched against alleged vote theft by the Election Commission and the ruling BJP, with many people checking voter lists on their own. When asked if the party would seek a joint parliamentary committee on the issue, Khera made no promises. “We are also discussing it with our allies of the ‘India’ alliance. In the next two or three days we will discuss with them again and come back with a joint strategy,” he said. Asked if moving court was an option, the Congress spokesperson said he would not be able to comment on it at this point of time. “But we all have to take a united stand on how to move forward in the future,” he said. Rahul Gandhi on Thursday claimed massive fraud in last year’s elections through collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission, citing his party’s analysis of the voter list in a constituency in Karnataka. Kheda questioned the Election Commission, which has sought an affidavit from Gandhi over allegations of vote theft. He asked whether the Election Commission believes that its documents are not correct. He said, “These papers belong to the Election Commission. Does the Election Commission not trust its own papers? First let them give an affidavit (about the papers). We also challenge the Election Commission. If this is proved right, will the Chief Election Commissioner resign? Can he give us in writing?” the Congress leader asked. Kheda also hit back at the Election Commission, which has asked Gandhi to apologise for the allegations. He said, “You commit theft and we apologise? Now you will be investigated.