Following these revelations, the Karnataka government ordered a CID probe to identify and prosecute those involved. While the ECI initially shared some relevant documents, Kharge claimed that the commission has since “stonewalled crucial information”—effectively derailing the investigation.

“But here’s the twist: while ECI had earlier shared part of the documents needed to trace the forgery, it has now stonewalled the crucial information—effectively shielding those behind Vote Chori!” Kharge pointed out.

In his post, the Congress chief posed a series of pointed questions aimed at the impartiality and intent of the Election Commission:

“Why has the ECI suddenly BLOCKED vital evidence? Who is it protecting? BJP’s Vote Chori department? Is the ECI bending under BJP pressure to derail the CID probe?”

Kharge concluded his post by underscoring the broader implications of the controversy, stressing that the right to vote is a fundamental democratic principle and must be upheld.

“Individual’s right to vote needs to be protected. INDIAN Democracy needs to be protected,” he asserted.

There was no immediate response from the Election Commission to Kharge’s allegations. However, the poll body has previously dismissed similar claims from the Congress as baseless and politically motivated.

This latest exchange has deepened the political divide ahead of upcoming state elections, with the Congress continuing to accuse the ECI of partiality and the BJP largely remaining silent on the matter.

(With PTI inputs)