Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led central government during the Sadbhav Yatra in Gurugram, accusing the ruling party of creating a system of “election manipulation” in multiple states and alleging that democratic institutions were being controlled for political gain.
Addressing supporters and local residents during the march in Haryana, Gandhi claimed that elections in states including Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Assam were being influenced through manipulation of voter lists and institutional control.
“You know Haryana well. In Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, and now Bengal and Assam, they have created a system of election manipulation. They delete lakhs of names and add lakhs of new names,” Gandhi said during his speech.
The Congress MP further alleged that the Election Commission and sections of the bureaucracy were functioning under the influence of the ruling establishment. He claimed that the BJP believed its political dominance could not be challenged but warned that “their time is coming.”
Gandhi also accused the government of favouring large industrial groups while ordinary citizens continued to struggle with unemployment and economic pressure. Referring to infrastructure projects and strategic assets, he alleged that airports, ports, power plants and other public assets were being handed over to select corporate entities.
“The public now understands that elections are being manipulated and that wealth is being taken away from ordinary people and given to big industrialists,” he said.
A major part of Gandhi’s address focused on unemployment, particularly among young people. He said joblessness had emerged as one of the biggest concerns not only in Haryana but across the country.
“When I asked about Haryana’s biggest issues, people said unemployment is the biggest problem. Young people are not getting jobs. Degrees are being given in private universities and colleges, but there are no jobs afterward,” Gandhi stated.
He further claimed that several small and medium industries had shut down, worsening employment opportunities for youth. Gandhi also alleged that young people were increasingly being distracted by social media platforms instead of receiving meaningful economic opportunities.
“Young people are being distracted and addicted to social media platforms like Instagram,” he added.
The remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of upcoming electoral contests in several states. The BJP has repeatedly rejected opposition allegations of electoral manipulation and has defended the functioning of constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission.
The Sadbhav Yatra is part of Congress’ broader outreach campaign aimed at mobilising support around issues such as unemployment, inflation and governance. Gandhi’s latest comments are expected to intensify political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP in the coming days.