On March 30, amidst the charged atmosphere of an election rally, Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress, delivered a statement that reverberated across the political spectrum: “Desh me aag lag jayegi” (The country will burn). Almost immediately after Gandhi’s provocative remarks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a cautionary message, alerting the public to the dangers of undermining the electoral process and denying the legitimacy of election results.
The spectre of the US Capitol Riots of January 6, 2020, looms large as a cautionary tale, suggesting a potential blueprint for political unrest and chaos. It seems that if victory in the 2024 elections cannot be assured through conventional means, the alternative strategy is to discredit the electoral mandate and the democratic system itself.
This narrative of “mandate denial,” championed by Rahul Gandhi and his allies, revolves around the assertion that any victory by the BJP and Prime Minister Modi would be tainted by allegations of electoral malpractice and fraud. This preemptive claim of a “stolen election” is bolstered by manufactured issues such as EVM tampering, despite repeated dismissals by the judiciary and other authorities.
The Supreme Court, in its verdict on the EVM-VVPAT case on April 26, unequivocally condemned such attempts to undermine the nation’s progress and achievements. Nevertheless, the groundwork for “mandate denial” had been laid long before, with insidious insinuations and innuendos gradually gaining traction, particularly on social media platforms.
Foreign interference, often under the guise of promoting democracy and human rights, adds another dimension to this narrative. Rahul Gandhi’s international engagements, facilitated by his mentor Sam Pitroda, have raised concerns about external meddling in India’s domestic affairs.
The relentless efforts to cast doubt on the integrity of India’s electoral process are aided by a network of compromised influencers, journalists, and analysts. Fringe tweets and posts gradually infiltrate mainstream discourse, blurring the lines between objective analysis and propaganda.
The insidious nature of this campaign is further exemplified by baseless insinuations and accusations, such as questioning the willingness of PM Modi to accept defeat or suggesting the inevitability of widespread protests.
Journalists like Ravi Nair and dubious publications like Newsclick contribute to this narrative by insinuating that the BJP-RSS alliance will not tolerate defeat in the 2024 elections. Such tactics serve to sow seeds of doubt and discord, undermining the democratic process and eroding public trust in institutions.
As the 2024 elections conclude, the intensity and volume of “stolen election” rhetoric escalate, fueled by a combination of domestic and international actors. The dissemination of fake surveys and predictions further adds to the atmosphere of uncertainty and apprehension, creating a climate ripe for manipulation and discord.
In this volatile landscape, the ominous warnings of political leaders like Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi take on added significance, hinting at the potential for widespread unrest and instability. The preemptive mandate denial, exemplified by articles like those published in The Wire, only serves to exacerbate tensions and sow further division within society.
The trajectory of electoral discourse took a concerning turn when Congress initially hinted at boycotting exit polls, labelling them as ‘Modi’s Exit Polls.’ Prawin Sawhney’s allegations on May 26, dragging the Army into political conjecture, added fuel to the fire.
Expressing apprehension about a potential extension of the Modi government’s stay in power, Sawhney’s remarks underscored growing concerns about the transition of power and the roles of key figures within the army hierarchy.
Even before the release of exit polls, certain individuals cast aspersions on organisations like AxisMyIndia, insinuating a covert attempt to manipulate election results in favour of the BJP. Such preemptive claims hint at a broader strategy aimed at shaping public perception and preparing the ground for contesting the legitimacy of the electoral outcome.
Further muddying the waters, some civil societies raised alarm bells regarding the potential manipulation of votes on counting day, hinting at possible legal challenges to the election results.
Arvind Kejriwal’s remarks on exit polls and EVMs, coupled with similar sentiments expressed by other opposition leaders like Akhilesh Yadav, painted a picture of scepticism and distrust surrounding the electoral process.
Journalists with longstanding ties to the Congress party, such as Pallavi Ghosh and Barkha Dutt, expressed concerns about potential unrest on counting day, hinting at a concerted effort to undermine the electoral process.
The BJP, in response, approached the Election Commission, citing coordinated attempts by opposition parties and civil society groups to discredit the ongoing electoral process.
The BJP’s opposition, once centred on the refrain of “This will be India’s last election if Modi wins,” has now shifted towards outright mandate denial. Such rhetoric not only threatens the integrity of the current electoral process but also poses long-term risks to Indian democracy.
By delegitimising the electoral process, such narratives provide foreign powers with an opportunity to meddle in India’s domestic politics under the guise of restoring democracy. Rahul Gandhi’s consistent exploitation of India’s fault lines further exacerbates this vulnerability, potentially fracturing social cohesion and national unity.
However, it is unlikely that such mandate denial will garner widespread support among the populace, further tarnishing the credibility of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party. It is imperative for the Congress to gracefully accept the likelihood of defeat and uphold the sanctity of the democratic process for the greater good of the nation.
