The Congress on Sunday held a large protest rally at Ramlila Maidan in the national capital, accusing the BJP-led Union government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) of “vote theft” and manipulating electoral processes. The rally, titled ‘Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod’, was led by senior party leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi.
From early afternoon, party workers and supporters from different parts of the country began gathering at the historic Ramlila Maidan. Before proceeding to the venue, Congress leaders assembled at the party’s headquarters, Indira Bhawan. The rally was organised as part of the party’s nationwide campaign against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which the Congress claims is being misused to influence election outcomes.
Addressing the gathering, Congress leaders alleged that democratic institutions were being weakened and used for political purposes. They claimed that the SIR exercise could lead to the removal of genuine voters, particularly among the poor, backward classes and Dalit communities. According to the party, this would benefit the ruling party in future elections. 
The Congress said it had collected more than five crore signatures from across the country to highlight public concern over the issue. Party leaders stated that the campaign was not limited to elections alone but was aimed at protecting the Constitution and democratic values.
Several senior leaders were present at the rally, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, K.C. Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh and Sachin Pilot. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi was also expected to attend. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar met members of the Gandhi family ahead of the rally, underlining the importance the party attached to the event.
Leaders from allied parties also spoke at the gathering. Manipur MLA Keisham Meghachandra Singh said the campaign was necessary to safeguard democracy and called on the government to take the concerns seriously. Other opposition leaders echoed similar views, alleging that constitutional bodies were not functioning independently.
