Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, has accused the BJP and the Election Commission of engaging in "vote theft"

Gandhi's comments come after 2.07 crore out of 9.78 crore eligible voters were struck off the list following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The Leader of Opposition claimed that this was evidence of the BJP and the Election Commission prioritizing its own interests over those of the people.

Read More: For India polymer notes, bidders certify no animal tallow, firewalls against China, Pakistan

"People are not important for a government built on vote theft," Gandhi said. "The BJP neither listens to the people nor obeys their command."

Following the publication of Maharashtra's draft electoral roll, several people complained of difficulties accessing the list online. The Election Commission later assured that the name-search facility was being worked on and would be available soon.

The draft roll shows a staggering 2.07 crore voters were removed from the list - one in every five eligible voters. Gandhi pointed out that this figure is not definitive, as the Election Commission has clarified that it's subject to change.

Gandhi also highlighted his concerns about the SIR process in West Bengal before the Assembly polls, where 91% of names struck off had to be reinstated after appeals. He argued that this was a clear case of "vote theft."

Also Read: India to Meet Putin and Xi Jinping in Bishkek Ahead of BRICS Summit

"Of the names struck off in the SIR, 91% had to be reinstated after appeals," Gandhi said. "That means 9 out of every 10 names were wrongly deleted and added back only after the election. I said it then, and I say it today: This was vote theft."

Gandhi's comments have sparked outrage among opposition parties, with many accusing the BJP of attempting to manipulate the electoral process for its own gain.