Election integrity at stake as opposition leaders face police pressure, says Karnataka chief

In a statement released after a demonstration in Delhi, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivkumar warned that the alleged police pressure on Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other India Alliance members threatens the core of India’s electoral democracy.

He pointed out that the opposition was exercising its democratic right to demand clarity on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), alleged voter‑list tampering and possible vote‑theft. Shivkumar stressed that intimidation does not resolve disagreements; rather, it weakens public trust.

The chief minister expressed particular concern over how women leaders were handled, describing the treatment of Priyanka Gandhi as “deeply troubling.” He urged the central government and the Election Commission to pursue a transparent investigation rather than resorting to “barriers, force or detention.”

Shivkumar concluded that the resilience of democracy depends on the courage of those in power to listen, answer and protect the sanctity of every vote.