Ramdas Athawale hits back at Rahul Gandhi on ‘Vote Chori’, says Election Commission independent

Union Minister and Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athawale on Saturday strongly criticised Congress MP and LoP Rahul Gandhi for alleging vote theft during elections.

Addressing media persons in Bhubaneswar during his visit, Athawale said that such accusations were ‘baseless and politically motivated’.

“The Congress was in power for over 60 years. Rahul Gandhi should first explain what was happening to the votes during their rule. The allegation of vote theft is completely unfounded,” Athawale remarked.

He further defended the Election Commission of India, stating that it functions as an independent institution, free from any influence of the central government.

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“The Election Commission is an autonomous body. It has no link with the government. So, blaming the government for any alleged irregularities in the electoral process is not right,” the minister added.

Athawale also expressed confidence in the ruling NDA’s performance, predicting another sweeping victory in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

“I am fully confident that Narendra Modi will become the Prime Minister for the fourth consecutive term. The NDA will register a big win in Bihar, and Nitish Kumar will again take oath as Chief Minister,” he said.

Athawale’s remarks come amid intensifying political exchanges between the Congress and BJP-led NDA ahead of key elections, as both alliances rally their bases with sharp rhetoric over democracy, governance, and electoral credibility.