Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP of “Stealing” Elections in West Bengal and Assam

New Delhi (IANS): Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi launched a direct attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the party of manipulating election results in West Bengal and Assam with the support of the Election Commission.

Allegations of Systematic Manipulation

In a post on his official X account, Rahul Gandhi echoed concerns previously raised by Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief Mamata Banerjee regarding the integrity of the 2026 Assembly elections:

• West Bengal: Gandhi claimed that more than 100 seats were “stolen” in the state, supporting Mamata Banerjee’s assertions of result manipulation.
• Assam: He described both Assam and Bengal as clear cases of electoral manipulation.
• The “Playbook” Strategy: Gandhi alleged that the BJP utilized a familiar strategy previously seen in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh, as well as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Democratic Crisis

The LoP expressed deep frustration over what he perceives as a systematic effort to erode democratic institutions.

• Institutional Credibility: He accused the BJP of stealing both elections and the institutions designed to safeguard democracy.
• Political United Front: His remarks highlight a growing alignment between the Congress and the Trinamool Congress, as both parties present a united narrative against the BJP’s electoral practices.

BJP Response and Political Impact

The BJP has consistently dismissed such allegations, maintaining that its victories—including the two-thirds majority in West Bengal—are the result of a popular mandate for development. However, Gandhi’s comments are expected to intensify the national debate over electoral transparency and institutional independence in the coming weeks.