The Karnataka unit of the Indian National Congress has announced a massive public response to its 'Vote Chori' signature campaign, spearheaded by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. The initiative has reportedly gathered a staggering 1.48 crore (14.8 million) signatures from citizens across the state.
A Landmark Citizen-Led Movement
According to party statements released on December 6, 2025, the campaign has evolved into one of the most significant political and public movements witnessed in Karnataka in recent times. The drive, framed as a protest against what the Congress terms the "theft of the people's mandate," successfully mobilized a vast section of the populace. Party leaders have described the overwhelming participation as a clear indicator of public sentiment and a powerful, grassroots-led political statement.
Rahul Gandhi's Campaign Gains Momentum
The 'Vote Chori' campaign, personally championed by Rahul Gandhi, was designed to directly engage with voters on the ground. The core objective was to collect signatures from citizens who support the Congress's narrative regarding electoral processes. The collection of 1.48 crore signatures signifies a monumental organizational effort and suggests deep penetration of the campaign's message into various districts of Karnataka. State party president and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has been a key figure in orchestrating the drive on the ground, ensuring it reached both urban centers and rural hinterlands.
Political Implications and Future Trajectory
The success of this signature campaign is expected to have considerable political ramifications within the state. By framing it as a "citizen-led movement," the Congress aims to project the results as an organic, people's verdict against its political rivals. The massive number serves as a potent tool for the party's narrative-building in the lead-up to future electoral battles. It provides the Congress with substantial ammunition to claim widespread public support for its stance and to challenge the ruling establishment at the central level. The data and momentum from this drive are likely to be leveraged in upcoming political strategies and public rallies.
As the political landscape in Karnataka continues to be fiercely competitive, the 'Vote Chori' campaign's outcome underscores the Congress's active efforts to consolidate its base and rally public opinion on a pan-state scale. The movement, culminating on December 6, 2025, marks a significant chapter in the state's contemporary political discourse.
