NEW DELHI: The Congress party has repeatedly alleged “Vote Chori” (vote theft) in recent elections, claiming that large chunks of its support base were manipulated or stolen. However, data from the Election Commission over the years tells a different story.
According to available statistics, the Congress+ alliance has actually managed to maintain and even increase its vote share over the last three decades.
In 1989, Congress+ secured 39.53% of the vote share. In 2024, despite all its complaints of “vote chori,” the alliance registered its highest vote share in 35 years at 41.33%.
A closer look at trends further exposes the contradiction. Between 1991 and 2019, Congress’ vote share dipped multiple times, falling as low as 23% in 2014 and 26.4% in 2019. But in 2024, the party’s tally saw a sharp revival, pushing it back above the 40% mark.
Political analysts note that while Congress may have reasons to question the fairness of certain processes, its own numbers contradict the charge of votes being stolen.
The increase in its vote share indicates that the party has managed to regain some lost ground, especially after two consecutive poor showings in 2014 and 2019.
Yet, the narrative of “vote chori” continues to be a political tool.
Critics say it helps the party keep its base mobilized, especially when electoral outcomes do not align with its expectations of seat counts despite higher vote percentages.
In essence, the data suggests that rather than losing votes to theft, the Congress has been on a path of revival — at least in terms of vote share. The question remains: if the numbers are in Congress’ favor, why persist with the “vote chori” cry?
The Congress party’s persistent “Vote Chori” (vote theft) charge stands at odds with electoral data.
While its leaders allege large-scale manipulation of votes, Election Commission figures reveal a different trend — not only has Congress+ sustained its vote share over the decades, but in 2024 it recorded its highest share in 35 years, raising questions over the credibility of its narrative.
