Editorial

On December 14, 2025, thousands gathered at Delhi’s historic Ramlila Maidan for the Congress party’s “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod” mega rally, a powerful demonstration against what the opposition terms systematic “vote theft.” Led by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, with Sonia Gandhi in attendance, the event marked a significant escalation in the Congress’s campaign to highlight alleged irregularities in recent elections and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Kharge’s address was particularly stirring, as he called those engaging in vote manipulation “gaddars” (traitors) who must be removed from power to protect the Constitution. He urged supporters to strengthen the Congress ideology, contrasting it with the RSS-BJP’s divisive approach, which he accused of sowing venom and attempting to enslave the poor under the guise of Hindutva. Rahul Gandhi framed the struggle as one between “satya” (truth) and “asatya” (falsehood), vowing to oust the Narendra Modi-RSS government through non-violence, the path of Mahatma Gandhi. He boldly named the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners, alleging their collusion with the ruling party and warning of future accountability.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra challenged the BJP to contest elections via ballot papers, asserting they lack the confidence to win fairly without electronic voting machines. The rally showcased nearly six crore signatures collected nationwide against these alleged malpractices, to be submitted to the President, underscoring the party’s grassroots mobilization.

This rally comes amid Congress’s poor performance in recent state polls, including Bihar, Haryana, and Maharashtra, where it claims institutional bias skewed results. By accusing the Election Commission of partiality and the government of undermining democratic institutions, the Congress is attempting to galvanize public opinion and position itself as the guardian of electoral integrity.

Yet, the BJP has dismissed these charges as baseless, labeling the rally an exercise in appeasement politics aimed at shielding infiltrators from voter list purification. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has previously rebutted similar claims in Parliament, emphasizing reforms to ensure clean rolls.

In a vibrant democracy like India’s, allegations of electoral fraud demand rigorous scrutiny and evidence. While the Congress’s vigorous protest highlights genuine concerns about institutional independence—echoing broader debates on EVM reliability and voter suppression—the lack of conclusive proof risks portraying it as sour grapes post defeats. True democratic vigilance requires transparency from all sides, including independent probes into SIR processes and EVM audits.

Ultimately, rallies like this invigorate opposition voices, reminding citizens that power derives from the people’s mandate, not manipulation. As Kharge emphasized, strengthening inclusive ideologies is key to preserving India’s constitutional ethos. The real test will be whether this momentum translates into electoral resurgence or fades as political rhetoric.

As Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated GOAT India Tour 2025 wraps up on December 15, the football icon leaves behind a trail of unforgettable moments, bridging sports, culture, and celebrity in a nation where cricket reigns supreme yet football passion burns bright. Spanning Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and culminating in New Delhi, the three-day whirlwind from December 13-15 marked Messi’s first return to India since 2011, accompanied at times by teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.

The tour kicked off controversially in Kolkata, where organizational mishaps led to fan chaos at Salt Lake Stadium—seats ripped, objects thrown—prompting apologies from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the arrest of promoter Satadru Dutta. Yet, Messi pressed on, virtually unveiling a towering 70-foot statue of himself and engaging in meet-and-greets.

Hyderabad redeemed the experience with a vibrant 7v7 exhibition match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, where Messi dazzled alongside Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. A highlight was his interaction with Congress Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who received a signed No. 10 Argentina jersey, symbolizing cross-partisan admiration for the World Cup winner.

Mumbai delivered pure magic at Wankhede Stadium and Cricket Club of India. The padel exhibition and celebrity football match featured Bollywood stars, but the pinnacle was Messi’s meeting with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. In a “GOAT meets GOAT” moment that sent fans into ecstasy, Tendulkar gifted Messi a signed India jersey from the 2011 World Cup-winning team, while Messi reciprocated with his own. Sunil Chhetri, India’s football captain, also shared the stage, exchanging jerseys in a poignant handover of sporting legacies.

As the tour concludes in Delhi with events at Arun Jaitley Stadium—including youth clinics, felicitations, and rumored high-profile meetings—the overwhelming fan enthusiasm has been palpable. Thousands braved crowds for glimpses, underscoring Messi’s global appeal and India’s growing football fervor.

Beyond glamour, the tour promoted youth development through clinics and charitable initiatives, auctioning 2022 World Cup memorabilia. Despite early hiccups, it succeeded in uniting diverse icons— from Tendulkar to Gandhi—highlighting sport’s power to transcend boundaries.

Messi’s humble presence amid massive adoration reminds us why he’s the Greatest: not just for eight Ballons d’Or or World Cup glory, but for inspiring millions. As he departs, India dreams bigger for football, hoping this is merely the beginning of deeper ties with the beautiful game.

• SAS Kirmani