NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the RSS in Patna, accusing them of undermining democratic institutions and alleging irregularities in the electoral process.Addressing a gathering in Patna, Kharge said, “As long as RSS ideology is not eliminated, there will be no peace in the country.” He also expressed disappointment over Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s alliance with those who follow the RSS ideology.“I am pained that socialist leaders like Nitish Kumar joined hands with people who believe in RSS ideology,” Kharge said.Calling the ongoing political struggle a “second war of independence”, Kharge urged the people of Bihar to support a nationwide movement against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.“This is second war of independence; I urge the people of Bihar to support nationwide movement against SIR,” he said.Kharge alleged that governments had been formed through ‘vote chori’ in West Bengal, Haryana, Bihar and Maharashtra, and warned that those responsible would face legal consequences.“Govts stolen through ‘vote chori’ in Bengal, Haryana, Bihar, Maharashtra; these thieves will be put behind bars,” he said.The Congress president also called for action against those involved in the alleged ‘suddhikaran’ (purification) targeting him. He said BJP leader J P Nadda had promised an inquiry into the incident, but an FIR was instead filed against Rahul Gandhi when he visited Haldwani.“We need to find those involved in carrying out ‘suddhikaran’ (purification),” Kharge said.He also targeted the BJP over the Ayodhya temple row, saying, “I pray to Lord Ram to open his eyes, punish those who have looted wealth in his name.” Kharge further accused the BJP and RSS of undoing the legacy of Bihar’s prominent leaders, including Rajendra Prasad.Taking aim at the government’s handling of inflation, Kharge questioned its promise of ushering in ‘Amrit Kaal’ while essential food items remained unaffordable.“This govt, which cannot make onions and bread affordable, how will it usher in ‘Amrit Kaal’,” he asked.The Congress president also demanded that all elections be conducted using ballot papers, the SIR exercise be halted immediately and Assembly elections held over the past two years be annulled.Meanwhile, in a communication to party MPs, Kharge asked them to remain present in Delhi on October 30, 31 and November 1, 2026, in connection with the ongoing protests by INDIA bloc parties over alleged electoral irregularities and ‘vote chori’.The communication cited allegations of irregularities by the ECI and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) as the reasons for the directive. It also referred to the planned ‘Save the Vote, Save the Country Jan March and Mega Rally’, scheduled to be held at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on November 1.Earlier on Sunday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged students, farmers, labourers, women, youth and traders to participate in the rally, alleging that names had been deleted from voter lists and electoral rules and laws had been violated.
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In a post on X, Rahul alleged that votes were being stolen and that force had been used against people questioning the process.“Our votes are being stolen, and we will not tolerate this quietly under any circumstances,” Gandhi wrote.“Names have been removed from the voter lists. Rules and laws have been broken. And lathis have been used on those asking questions. Now the country will respond,” he added.Rahul urged people from different sections of society to join the November 1 march and mega rally, describing it as a campaign to protect democracy.