Integrity of Electoral Process at Risk — Independent Investigation into Vote Theft Essential: Pargat Singh

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): MLA and All India Congress Committee Secretary Padma Shri Pargat Singh has expressed strong support for the recent statement made by Congress Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi, in which he alleged that the Election Commission is not functioning with the independence and integrity expected of a constitutional institution.

Pargat Singh said that the serious allegations regarding the functioning of the Election Commission and the integrity of India’s electoral process are deeply concerning and strike at the heart of our democratic values.

Referring to the case of alleged vote theft in Karnataka, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party have claimed to possess 100% evidence of electoral manipulation. “It is alarming that such irregularities are being exposed. These allegations must be thoroughly and impartially investigated by an independent agency to restore public faith. The Congress party will not allow the people to be deceived,” said Pargat Singh.

He further warned, “Those attempting to manipulate the electoral process and suppress the will of the people must face the consequences. We cannot allow our democracy and Constitution to be undermined by vested interests. The time for accountability has arrived, and those responsible must be held to account.”

Pargat Singh also emphasized that the Election Commission must perform its duties with impartiality and transparency. “If serious allegations of electoral rigging are being made against the Commission itself, it represents a grave breach of public trust,” he added.

He raised concerns over reports that in several states, lakhs of new voter entries—reportedly in the age groups of 40–45 and 50–60—have been added before elections, while legitimate votes are being indiscriminately deleted. “Such actions raise serious questions and must be urgently addressed,” he said.

Concluding, Pargat Singh urged the authorities to address these concerns with urgency and transparency to preserve the sanctity of democratic institutions. “The people of India deserve a fair, clean, and corruption-free electoral process.”