Beyond ‘vote chori’, Congress needs a broader strategy to take on Modi government

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi addressing the media on the vote theft issue at the Indira Bhavan in New Delhi. | Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy Amid a pause in the agitation seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and opposing the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls because of festivals, the Congress is preparing for a show of strength at the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1.Beyond the rally, however, the Congress and the wider Opposition bloc may need to recalibrate their strategy on the alleged ‘vote chori’ (theft) campaign, which has overshadowed issues that affect voters’ everyday lives — inflation, unemployment, youth distress and alleged corruption.The Congress Working Committee (CWC), which met on August 19 in the aftermath of students’ protests against paper leaks and demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, had identified several core issues. These included the “plight” of the youth, alleged chanda (donation) chori at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, reports of Chinese incursions into Arunachal Pradesh, and concerns over E20 petrol’s lower mileage, compatibility risks and the loss of consumer choice.However, the principal Opposition party and the INDIA bloc have focused almost entirely on alleged vote chori and electoral manipulation through the SIR since reports emerged that two Election Commissioners differed with the CEC over the implementation of the electoral roll revision exercise.On October 12, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, likened the Opposition’s protests against vote chori to Lord Shiva’s tandav (cosmic dance). “There is no need for a plan. A dance is going on, Lord Shiva’s dance. And anyone can join Shivji ki baraat [the wedding procession of Lord Shiva],” he said.While the Opposition parties have continued their street protests against the CEC and the SIR, there is also a realisation that the fight against constitutional bodies such as the Election Commission of India (ECI) is likely to be a prolonged one.The Opposition also needs to raise issues that are closer to people’s everyday realities or have the potential to put the government on the defensive in the immediate term.In Uttar Pradesh, for instance, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is keen to focus on chandachori at Ayodhyaalongside the SIR.At a tea party on October 13 at Mr. Gandhi’s official residence, Opposition leaders discussed raising other issues but agreed to keep the vote chori campaign at the forefront to avoid losing momentum.Recent social media posts by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, however, reflect a subtle shift, with inflation during the festive season being linked to vote chori. “The Modi government, desperate to strip away voting rights, now wants to eliminate the right to live as well. Amidst festivals, back-breaking inflation is gobbling up every single penny of earnings,” Mr. Kharge said in a post on X on Wednesday (October 28, 2026).On Thursday (October 29, 2026), responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s jibe over the Congress’s performance in ballot-based MLC elections across 28 seats in four States, Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh asked him to reflect on the BJP’s losses in Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency, and Nagpur, an RSS stronghold. He urged Mr. Modi to address inflation, unemployment and stalled private investment. “Drop the arrogance and reflect on these issues!” Mr. Ramesh said on X. Published - October 29, 2026 12:09 pm IST