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Karnataka Leaders in Delhi: Amid 'Vote Chori' Protest, a Leadership Tussle?

Karnataka's top Congress leaders are heading to Delhi for a major protest. They're rallying against what they call 'Vote Chori', claiming names are being unfairly deleted from voter lists. Behind the scenes, there's talk about smoothing over tensions between the state's leadership. The party is trying to present a united front, especially after recent election setbacks.

Key Points: DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah in Delhi for Congress Vote Chori Protest

  • DK Shivakumar alleges minority voter names removed from rolls nationwide
  • Congress protest targets alleged electoral roll tampering dubbed 'Vote Chori'
  • Sources indicate party high command may address Karnataka leadership tensions
  • A special train for party workers from Bengaluru was cancelled last minute
2 min read

Vote Chori protest: Shivakumar reaches Delhi, Siddaramaiah to visit tomorrow

Karnataka Congress leaders DK Shivakumar and CM Siddaramaiah reach Delhi for the 'Vote Chori' protest, alleging voter list tampering and addressing internal party dynamics.

"This problem is not confined to Karnataka; it has occurred in Bihar, Maharashtra and other states as well. - D.K. Shivakumar"

Bengaluru, Dec 13

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, on Saturday, reached Delhi to take part in the ‘Vote Chori’ protest organised at Ramlila Maidan on December 14.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is also scheduled to arrive in Delhi on Sunday.

Speaking about the ‘Vote Chori’ issue, Shivakumar alleged that minority voters’ names were removed from electoral rolls across the country.

“Our leader, Rahul Gandhi, has raised this issue. They have not answered our questions; instead, they are asking us to provide information. Information is not being given under the Right to Information Act (RTI). I have also sought the information, but it was not provided,” he said.

Responding to a question on whether he would seek an appointment with Sonia Gandhi after the protest, he said, “I have an issue. The Delhi Police have asked me to provide details regarding donations in the National Herald case. I have asked my advocate to meet me. I will seek legal advice and consult others before appearing before the Delhi Police. I will inform the media once I decide on this.”

He added that police officers attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had written 18 letters seeking data, but received no response.

“The report has now come out. This problem is not confined to Karnataka; it has occurred in Bihar, Maharashtra and other states as well,” Shivakumar alleged.

He also said that a special train from Bengaluru meant to bring party workers to Delhi was cancelled at the last minute.

Sources in the Congress party said the high command, concerned over recent developments in Karnataka, is likely to address the leadership tussle between the two leaders informally.

They said that following the defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections, the high command does not want infighting to threaten the government.

While Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to return to Karnataka on Sunday evening, Shivakumar will stay back and return to Bengaluru on Monday evening (December 15). Both leaders have maintained that they are meeting national leaders, though not specifically over the leadership issue.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
The timing of this protest and the sudden train cancellation is very telling. Feels more like internal Congress drama playing out in Delhi rather than a genuine people's movement. They should focus on governing Karnataka properly first. 🤔
V
Vikram M
Shivakumar sir raising the RTI issue is valid. If information is being denied under RTI, what are they hiding? This needs a proper judicial inquiry, not just political protests. The integrity of our electoral roll is non-negotiable.
A
Anjali F
All this travel to Delhi for protests... who is paying for these trips? Taxpayers' money? They should solve Karnataka's problems first - water issues, infrastructure. This looks like a distraction from their own performance.
M
Michael C
As an observer, the mention of multiple states facing this issue is concerning. A systematic problem with voter rolls, if true, undermines the entire election process. The Election Commission must provide a clear, data-driven response to these allegations.
K
Karthik V
The real story is the "leadership tussle" mentioned at the end. Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar's Delhi trips are just an excuse to meet the high command. Congress can't afford this infighting, especially after Bihar. They need to get their house in order.

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