Kangana Ranaut Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Vote Chori’ Claim in Lok Sabha, Questions Evidence on Voter Fraud

New Delhi: In a charged moment during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut took the floor in the Lok Sabha to deliver a pointed rebuttal to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent allegations of voter fraud. Her speech, delivered under the ambit of the State of Indian Republic (SIR) debate, has reignited discussions around electoral integrity, legal accountability, and the role of public representatives in shaping democratic discourse.

Parliament Floor Turns Battleground Over Voter Fraud Allegations

Ranaut, representing Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi constituency, addressed the House with a fiery critique of Rahul Gandhi’s repeated “vote chori” (vote theft) claims. She specifically referenced Gandhi’s use of a photograph of Brazilian model Larissa Nery, which he had allegedly circulated to suggest irregularities in Haryana’s voter rolls. The image—later confirmed by Nery herself to be a stock photo from her youth—was never linked to any Indian voter database.

Calling the act “misleading and irresponsible,” Ranaut extended a symbolic apology to the woman on behalf of Parliament. She emphasized that such gestures by opposition leaders risk undermining public trust in India’s electoral institutions. “PM Modi doesn’t hack EVMs; he hacks hearts,” she said, drawing applause from the treasury benches.

Ranaut also criticized Gandhi’s speech on electoral reforms, describing it as “absurd” and lacking evidentiary support. She accused the Congress party of selective outrage—raising concerns only in states where it loses elections, such as Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, while remaining silent in states where it wins, including Karnataka and Punjab.

India’s electoral framework is governed by the Constitution and several statutory instruments, most notably the Representation of the People Acts of 1950 and 1951. The Election Commission of India (ECI), established under Article 324, is tasked with conducting free and fair elections. It operates independently and is empowered to supervise, direct and control the entire electoral process.

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), introduced in 1982 and mandated nationwide since 2004, are manufactured under strict protocols by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL). These machines undergo multiple layers of testing, including mock polls and technical audits. In 2017, the ECI invited political parties to demonstrate vulnerabilities in EVMs during an open challenge. No party, including the Congress, was able to conclusively prove tampering.

Allegations of voter fraud or misuse of identity must be pursued through formal legal channels. Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act defines corrupt practices, while misuse of images or personal data may attract provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Indian Penal Code, 1860—particularly Sections 465 (forgery) and 469 (harm to reputation). As of December 2025, no FIR or legal complaint has been filed by the Congress party regarding the alleged voter roll misuse in Haryana.

The Brazilian model whose image was used clarified via social media that the photograph was a stock image and had no connection to Indian elections. No legal action has been initiated by her or any Indian authority.

Institutional Response and Political Reactions

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha did not issue any formal censure following Ranaut’s remarks, indicating that her statements were within the bounds of parliamentary privilege under Article 105 of the Constitution. This provision allows MPs to speak freely within the House, provided they adhere to established decorum and do not breach legal boundaries.

The Election Commission has not released an official statement regarding the specific allegations raised during the debate. However, its December 2025 bulletin reaffirmed its commitment to electoral transparency and announced a review of voter roll verification protocols ahead of the upcoming state elections in West Bengal and Gujarat.

Political reactions have been polarized. BJP leaders have echoed Ranaut’s concerns, accusing the opposition of attempting to delegitimize democratic outcomes. Congress leaders, while reiterating their apprehensions, have yet to present concrete evidence or initiate judicial proceedings.

Legal experts have emphasized the importance of substantiating claims through formal channels. “Parliamentary debates are not substitutes for legal action,” said a senior constitutional lawyer, speaking anonymously. “If there is evidence of fraud, it must be presented before the Election Commission or the courts.”

Kangana Ranaut’s intervention in the Lok Sabha marks a significant moment in India’s ongoing debate over electoral integrity. Her speech—rooted in legal references and institutional accountability—underscores the need for responsible political discourse. As India prepares for its next round of state elections, the spotlight remains on the Election Commission and the judiciary to uphold the sanctity of the democratic process.