Jairam Ramesh Accuses BJP of Electoral Malpractices, Calls ‘Vote Chori’ the Hallmark of Their Politics

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Monday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, accusing the ruling party of using “Vote Chori” (vote theft) as a key electoral strategy ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.

Responding to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s claim that the NDA is poised to win more than 160 of the 243 seats in Bihar, Ramesh alleged that the BJP has turned electoral malpractice into its defining political tactic.

“In education, VC stands for Vice Chancellor. In start-ups, VC is Venture Capital. In the military, VC is Vir Chakra. But now, there is a new VC shaping our politics Vote Chori,” Ramesh wrote on X. He also referenced “VR” (Vote Revdi), suggesting the BJP’s attempts to influence voters through inducements.

Ramesh expressed confidence that Bihar’s politically aware electorate would reject such tactics and elect a Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) government.

The Bihar Assembly polls are widely seen as a crucial test of the BJP’s strength in the state, with opposition alliances closely monitoring the party’s campaign strategies. Opposition leaders have raised concerns about potential electoral manipulation, following Amit Shah’s seat predictions.

Ramesh’s remarks underline Congress’ growing apprehensions about alleged electoral malpractices, highlighting the stakes of the upcoming Bihar elections.