New Delhi: Days after calling his allegations on voter fraud a “hydrogen bomb” against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is set to hold a press conference on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The announcement comes amid mounting political tension over his charges of “vote chori” (vote theft) in multiple states and his vow to present “explosive proof” in the coming days.

Congress announces special briefing

Congress media and publicity department head Pawan Khera confirmed on Wednesday that Gandhi would address a special press conference at the Indira Bhawan Auditorium at 10 a.m. “Tomorrow, September 18, Special Press Briefing by the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi,” Khera posted on social media platform X.

While the party has not officially specified the exact subject of the press meet, it is widely expected that Gandhi will elaborate on his claims of large-scale manipulation of electoral rolls and voter deletions that allegedly influenced the outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Allegations of voter fraud

Earlier this month, at the conclusion of his Voter Adhikar Yatra on September 1, Gandhi had described voter fraud as an “atom bomb on democracy” and promised to reveal details that he termed a “hydrogen bomb”. He claimed the alleged fraud was so extensive that Prime Minister Narendra Modi “will not be able to show his face to the country” once the evidence comes to light.

Last month, Gandhi cited data from the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka, alleging that over one lakh votes had been “stolen” in Mahadevapura Assembly segment through manipulation. He has also accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of inaction, insisting that the poll body has “looked the other way” in cases where ruling party leaders were allegedly involved.

Case study from Aland constituency

The Congress has already pointed to several instances of irregularities. In Karnataka’s Aland constituency, a party worker, Ashok Kumar (name changed), discovered 47 applications under Form 7 that sought deletion of votes from his family and others in the village. The applications claimed that voters had “shifted”, but those named denied filing any such request.

According to the Congress, the episode reflects a broader pattern of targeted voter deletions that reduced turnout in opposition strongholds.

Election Commission demands proof

Responding to Gandhi’s repeated allegations, the Election Commission has asked him to submit evidence “under oath” instead of what it described as “political insinuations”. The poll body rejected the charge of collusion with the ruling party, stating that the electoral process remains robust and transparent.

Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, however, criticised the ECI’s sharp response. Speaking to PTI on September 14, he said the commission should have ordered a probe into Gandhi’s claims rather than “shouting” at him. “Much of the language used by Gandhi is political rhetoric, but the substance of his complaint deserves investigation,” Quraishi remarked.

More proof to come, says Gandhi

On September 11, Gandhi reiterated his stance, alleging that elections in Maharashtra, Haryana and Karnataka had been “stolen” through fraudulent manipulation of electoral rolls. “We have given black-and-white proof. In the coming times, we will give more dynamic, explosive proof,” he said.

He also echoed the Congress’ new slogan—“vote chor, gaddi chhod” (vote thief, quit power)—which the party has been amplifying across its nationwide campaigns.

Political implications

The upcoming press conference is being closely watched as it comes at a sensitive time, with the winter session of Parliament approaching and state assembly elections due in Maharashtra and Haryana later this year. If Gandhi produces substantive evidence, it could intensify the political battle and force the ECI to launch a formal inquiry.

For the ruling BJP, the allegations present a challenge at a time when it is keen to highlight its governance record and economic achievements. Party leaders have dismissed Gandhi’s statements as “baseless” and “irresponsible”, accusing him of undermining democratic institutions.

Conclusion

As Rahul Gandhi prepares to step before the press with promises of more revelations, the debate over electoral transparency has taken centre stage. Whether his “hydrogen bomb” proves to be political rhetoric or concrete evidence remains to be seen, but the issue has already stirred public discourse on the credibility of India’s electoral process.