Udupi — Women and Child Development Minister and Udupi District In-charge Lakshmi Hebbalkar alleged that the Central Election Commission is functioning like a “BJP agent” and aiding the party in vote rigging.
Speaking at a candlelight protest in front of the old government bus stand — organised by the Udupi District Congress Committee with the slogan “Vote thieves, leave power” — Hebbalkar said elections must be free and fair, but the EC’s conduct suggests “the fence is grazing the field.” She accused the BJP and EC of eroding constitutional rights and claimed the BJP aims to win “through unfair means.”
Citing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s revelations, she said there were instances of individuals voting multiple times. She also charged the BJP with using ED and IT raids against opposition leaders and now resorting to electoral malpractice.
“Rahul Gandhi was denied the voter list even after elections. The BJP is killing democracy and must be taught a lesson,” Hebbalkar declared, urging people to unite against the party’s alleged actions.
Former MP Jayaprakash Hegde, District Congress President Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, and several other local leaders took part in the protest.