Beyond ‘vote chori’, Congress needs a broader strategy to take on Modi government

News Analysis New Delhi Amid a pause in the agitation seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and opposing the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls because of festivals, the Congress is preparing for a show of strength at the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1. Who is Gyanesh Kumar, the new Chief Election Commissioner video 1 Delhi Police grants Congress NOC for November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan storyline 1 Beyond the rally, however, the Congress and the wider Opposition bloc may need to recalibrate their strategy on the alleged ‘vote chori’ (theft) campaign, which has overshadowed issues that affect voters’ everyday lives — inflation, unemployment, youth distress and alleged corruption.

INDIA bloc leaders' virtual meeting to discuss roadmap for ‘vote chori’ protests deferred storyline 1 Watch: Amit Shah says Congress blames ‘vote chori’ for repeated election defeats Watch: Amit Shah says Congress blames ‘vote chori’ for repeated election defeats Amit Shah hits back at the Congress over its ‘vote chori’ allegations, accusing the party of making excuses for repeated election defeats.

He cites several States where the Congress has been out of power for decades. Watch: Amit Shah says Congress blames ‘vote chori’ for repeated election defeats shorts 1 The Congress Working Committee (CWC), which met on August 19 in the aftermath of students’ protests against paper leaks and demands for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as the Union Education Minister, had identified several core issues.

These included the “plight” of the youth, alleged chanda (donation) chori at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, reports of Chinese incursions into Arunachal Pradesh, and concerns over E20 petrol’s lower mileage, compatibility risks and the loss of consumer choice. However, the principal Opposition party and the INDIA bloc have focused almost entirely on alleged vote chori and electoral manipulation through the SIR since reports emerged that two Election Commissioners differed with the CEC over the implementation of the electoral roll revision exercise.

Deep rot: On the Election Commission of India’s functioning during its SIR editorial 1 Govt. not worried about inflation as it knows only to steal votes, says Kharge Govt. not worried about inflation as it knows only to steal votes, says Kharge Congress chief appeals to citizens to join INDIA bloc’s Chalo Dilli rally on November 1; Rahul tells traders that Congress’ protest will end in ‘30 seconds’ if govt.

sacks Chief Election Commissioner Govt. not worried about inflation as it knows only to steal votes, says Kharge storyline 1 On October 12, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, likened the Opposition’s protests against vote chori to Lord Shiva’s tandav (cosmic dance). “There is no need for a plan. A dance is going on, Lord Shiva’s dance. And anyone can join Shivji ki baraat [the wedding procession of Lord Shiva],” he said.

While the Opposition parties have continued their street protests against the CEC and the SIR, there is also a realisation that the fight against constitutional bodies such as the Election Commission of India (ECI) is likely to be a prolonged one. The Opposition also needs to raise issues that are closer to people’s everyday realities or have the potential to put the government on the defensive in the immediate term.

ECI affidavit on SIR is ‘deceitful and duplicitous’: Congress ECI affidavit on SIR is ‘deceitful and duplicitous’: Congress Congress chief lists alleged irregularities across 12 States and one Union Territory; asks why PM, HM are protecting the CEC; Congress flags ECI’s changing statements on the additions to Form 6 ECI affidavit on SIR is ‘deceitful and duplicitous’: Congress storyline 1 In Uttar Pradesh, for instance, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is keen to focus on chanda chori at Ayodhya alongside the SIR.

At a tea party on October 13 at Mr. Gandhi’s official residence, Opposition leaders discussed raising other issues but agreed to keep the vote chori campaign at the forefront to avoid losing momentum. Political resistance against vote chori will continue, not as parallel protests but as one movement: Rahul Gandhi storyline 1 You will not come to power in the next 30 years, Amit Shah warns Rahul Gandhi You will not come to power in the next 30 years, Amit Shah warns Rahul Gandhi Congress protests against vote theft are to save infiltrators’ votes, says HM; claims Opposition uses EVMs, vote theft allegations as excuses for poll losses; Congress says BJP is desperate, vote theft is a ‘proven reality’ You will not come to power in the next 30 years, Amit Shah warns Rahul Gandhi storyline 1 Recent social media posts by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, however, reflect a subtle shift, with inflation during the festive season being linked to vote chori.

“The Modi government, desperate to strip away voting rights, now wants to eliminate the right to live as well. Amidst festivals, back-breaking inflation is gobbling up every single penny of earnings,” Mr. Kharge said in a post on X on Wednesday (October 28, 2026). On Thursday (October 29, 2026), responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s jibe over the Congress’s performance in ballot-based MLC elections across 28 seats in four States, Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh asked him to reflect on the BJP’s losses in Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency, and Nagpur, an RSS stronghold.

He urged Mr. Modi to address inflation, unemployment and stalled private investment. “Drop the arrogance and reflect on these issues!” Mr. Ramesh said on X. Stop sermonising others; introspect why BJP lost Varanasi seats in MLC polls: Congress slams PM storyline 1