India: Congress leaders allege conspiracy over Voter ID welfare link

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal have accused the Indian government of a “deeply sinister plot” following an announcement by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh regarding welfare scheme eligibility.

Minister Singh stated that voter ID cards, rather than Aadhaar, will serve as the basis for identifying beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana, a scheme designed to strengthen gram panchayats. The minister noted that while Aadhaar is widely available, beneficiaries will now need to provide biometric data alongside their Elector’s Photo Identity Card or voter ID number.

Opposition leaders claim this move poses a direct threat to the poor and youth. They argue that if names are removed from electoral rolls during revisions, individuals could lose access to essential public benefits. Rahul Gandhi further alleged that the current electoral roll revision process is being used to manipulate elections by removing citizens critical of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The Congress party is currently conducting a “Vote Bachao Desh Bachao” campaign and is demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.