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In a charged Lok Sabha session on Tuesday, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched an uncompromising assault on what he described as the “institutional capture” of India’s democratic framework by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His speech—delivered during a discussion on electoral reforms—escalated into one of the most stinging critiques of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in recent parliamentary history.
WHEN & WHERE IT UNFOLDED
The confrontation unfolded on the floor of the Lok Sabha, with Home Minister Amit Shah present and Speaker Om Birla frequently intervening to quell rising tensions. The debate was meant to revolve around electoral reforms, but Rahul Gandhi redirected the focus toward what he termed a systematic erosion of democratic institutions.
THE ACCUSATION: WHO IS CAPTURING WHAT?
Rahul Gandhi asserted that the RSS has gradually entrenched itself within every major institution of the Indian republic—from universities to constitutional bodies—arguing that this was the “next phase” of an ideological agenda that began after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.
He accused the BJP-led government of weaponizing the Election Commission, enabling it to “shape elections” and “collude” in what he repeatedly referred to as “vote chori”, or electoral manipulation.
Calling this “the biggest anti-national act,” he warned election officials that legal protections would not shield them forever:
“We will change the law, retroactively. And we will find you.”
REACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
Rahul’s relentless allegations triggered uproar from the treasury benches, with Speaker Om Birla cautioning him to remain within procedural boundaries. Amit Shah maintained a stoic silence, though Rahul repeatedly gestured toward him while raising pointed questions.
His analogy comparing India’s institutions to woven fabric—each thread representing an equal citizen—became a key rhetorical centerpiece:

“What disturbs my friends in the RSS is the idea that every thread is equal. They believe in hierarchy, and that they must be on top.”
THE BROADER CONTEXT
The political battle over electoral oversight has intensified in recent years, especially as the Congress continues to publish allegations of discrepancies in voter rolls across multiple states. Rahul Gandhi’s comments reflect a strategic escalation, positioning electoral integrity as the defining issue for opposition politics ahead of future national elections.
This confrontation also underscores a deepening ideological divide in India—between those who believe institutions are being reshaped for partisan ends, and those who argue reforms are necessary for modernizing governance.