AICC in-charge for Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, today reaffirmed the Congress Party’s commitment to safeguarding democracy and the Constitution by resisting what he termed as large-scale electoral malpractices across the country. He was speaking at a state-level rally organized by the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) under the banner “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod” at the City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, Imphal East.
Ulaka said the campaign was being organized in several states as part of the second phase of the party’s protest, noting that a similar rally was held in Dimapur, Nagaland, just a day earlier. He recalled that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had recently exposed alleged manipulation of over 10 lakh votes in one assembly segment under the Bangalore Central Lok Sabha constituency. Instead of addressing the issue, the Election Commission had questioned Rahul Gandhi, a move the Congress strongly opposed, he added.
He further alleged that in Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, nearly 65 lakh voters had been deleted, most of them from backward communities, Dalits, tribals and the poor—sections of society that have traditionally supported the Congress and the INDIA alliance. Ulaka termed the move a systematic attempt to undermine democratic rights.
Announcing the next phase of the protest, Ulaka informed that the Congress would launch a nationwide campaign from September 15, during which the party aimed to collect 10 crore signatures and submit them to the Election Commission of India. The objective, he said, was to ensure that elections reflect the true mandate of the people and not votes that were allegedly manipulated or stolen.
The Imphal rally witnessed wide participation from Congress leaders and grassroots workers, including MPCC President K. Meghachandra, the CLP Leader of Manipur, members of the CWC, AICC, MPs, MLAs, former MPCC presidents, ex-MPs, ex-MLAs, office bearers, PCC members, as well as chiefs of frontal organizations, departments, DCCs, BCCs and party volunteers.
Speaking on the occasion, MPCC President K. Meghachandra said the public gathering reverberated with the slogan “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod” as leaders and supporters voiced strong criticism of what they described as the ruling government’s betrayal of democracy and misuse of power. He said the people of Manipur had been deprived of their democratic rights under the BJP-led government, which had failed to protect their interests and instead promoted corruption, favoritism and policies that undermined the rights of ordinary citizens.
Amid chants of “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod”, the Congress emphasized that the campaign was not merely a slogan but a people’s movement to reclaim democratic values. Cultural performances and songs further reinforced the political message, urging unity and collective strength to safeguard the future of Manipur.
Speakers concluded that the people’s demand was clear: respect for democracy, restoration of rights and accountability from those in power.