Prayagraj, Sep 18 — A man from Uttar Pradesh has said he plans to approach the police after his personal phone number was displayed during Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s press conference on alleged “vote chori” (vote theft). The incident has led to nonstop calls to his number, leaving him distressed.

Anjani Mishra, a Prayagraj resident who works in the sales department, told Mumbai Tak that he has been using the number for over 15 years. He clarified that he had not filed any application for voter deletion and was shocked to see his number flashed during Gandhi’s media briefing on September 18 in Delhi.

Flooded with calls after press conference

“Since the number was shown, I have been receiving countless calls. This has caused me a lot of trouble,” Mishra said, adding that he is preparing to file a complaint with the police over the harassment.

The number in question appeared on a slide displayed during Gandhi’s press meet at the Congress’ Indira Bhawan headquarters, where he levelled allegations against the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Rahul Gandhi’s ‘vote chori’ charge

At the briefing, Rahul Gandhi accused the ECI of being complicit in systematic voter list manipulation across several states. He said “software-driven” methods were being used to delete opposition voters or add names favourable to ruling parties.

“The CEC is protecting vote chors and the people who have destroyed Indian democracy,” Gandhi alleged. He cited examples of alleged voter deletions in Karnataka’s Aland constituency and additions in Maharashtra’s Rajura, claiming that data manipulation had been carried out on a large scale.

Gandhi also urged the poll body to provide documents requested by investigative agencies and said the Congress party would present further research in the coming weeks.

ECI dismisses charges as ‘baseless’

The Election Commission strongly rejected Gandhi’s claims, calling them “incorrect and baseless”. It clarified that no voter can be removed from rolls without being given a chance to be heard. Officials said due process is followed in every case of inclusion or deletion of names from the electoral rolls.

Mishra seeks action

Caught in the political crossfire, Mishra said he had nothing to do with the controversy and only wanted relief from the constant calls he has been receiving since the press conference. “I will go to the police to complain,” he told reporters.

The incident highlights the risks of personal information being inadvertently shared in public forums, and the harassment that can follow.