New Delhi: A Lok Sabha debate on electoral reforms erupted into a fiery confrontation on Tuesday after Union Home Minister Amit Shah levelled a series of allegations against the Congress, prompting Opposition MPs to walk out of the House. The clash intensified when Shah and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi repeatedly sparred over the issue of alleged “vote chori.”

Speaking during his defence of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Shah asserted that the Opposition was uneasy because the revision process would remove “illegal immigrant voters” who, according to him, form a segment of the vote bank for Opposition parties. He maintained that the SIR was essential to ensure accurate voter lists and fair elections.

Shah Lists Three Alleged Instances of “Vote Chori”

Shah launched a pointed attack on the Congress, accusing the party of being responsible for three major episodes of what he termed “vote theft.”

First instance:

He claimed that after Independence, Jawaharlal Nehru became Prime Minister despite Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel reportedly enjoying greater support among Congress leaders, describing this as the first case of vote manipulation.

Second instance:

Shah alleged that Indira Gandhi effectively shielded herself after her election was invalidated by a court ruling, calling it another example of “vote chori.”

Third instance:

In his final claim, Shah stated that Sonia Gandhi was enrolled as a voter before acquiring Indian citizenship. He added that the matter had been taken to civil courts.

Rahul Gandhi Challenges Shah

Rahul Gandhi repeatedly interrupted Shah’s speech, insisting on a direct debate on the allegations being made. At one point, Gandhi declared, “I challenge you to have a debate on my press conferences,” suggesting Shah was evading key issues he had raised publicly.

Shah responded bluntly, telling Gandhi that he must “learn to be patient” and could not decide or restrict what a minister chooses to say in Parliament.

Opposition Walks Out Amid Escalating Tensions

As the exchange grew more confrontational, Opposition leaders accused the Home Minister of refusing to address critical questions related to electoral reforms and instead diverting attention with political attacks. In protest, the Opposition staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha, leaving the Treasury benches to continue the debate without them.

Shah’s Counterattack After Walkout

Following the walkout, Shah criticised the Congress for repeatedly blaming a range of institutions and processes—including BJP polling agents, judges, electronic voting machines (EVMs), and voter rolls—for its electoral setbacks. He argued that the real reason for the party’s defeats lay in “its leadership,” not in the systems or officials overseeing elections.

Shah maintained that the government’s electoral reforms, including the SIR of voter lists, aimed to enhance transparency and ensure the integrity of the voting process.

Rahul Gandhi’s Response Outside the House

After leaving the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi dismissed Shah’s remarks as “completely defensive.” Gandhi alleged that the government had failed to address essential concerns, including: