'Stay in Nepal': Fadnavis says Rahul Gandhi's appeal to Gen Z over 'vote theft' won't work

Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday criticised Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for urging Gen Z to intervene against what he has described as “vote theft” in the country. Speaking at the 2025 India Today Conclave, Fadnavis said Gandhi’s call would not resonate with India’s younger generation.

"Whoever is in love with Nepal can stay there...the young people of India don't have the time to protest. Gen Z thinks different(ly). Rahul Gandhi does not have anyone else to bring down the government. His appeal to Gen Z will not work," Fadnavis said.

His remarks came days after Gandhi held a press conference where he accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of shielding those responsible for electoral malpractice. He specifically named Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that he was “protecting vote chors.”

Shortly after the September 18 briefing, Gandhi took to X to rally the country’s youth against what he claimed was widespread voter fraud.

"The youth of the country, the students of the country, the Gen Z of the country will save the Constitution, protect democracy, and stop vote theft. I always stand with them. Jai Hind!" he posted.

At his press briefing, Gandhi concentrated on alleged instances of voter list deletions. He demanded that the Chief Election Commissioner provide all necessary records to the Karnataka Crime Investigation Department (CID), which is probing suspected voter fraud in the Aland assembly seat of Kalaburagi district.

According to Gandhi, the probe has been obstructed for over two years because the ECI has failed to respond to repeated requests for information.

"February 2023 investigation is started, March 2023 Karnataka CID writes to ECI asking for all details. Incomplete details are given in August, with which no investigation can happen. Whatever was not needed was given, whatever was needed that was not given (by the Election Commission)," he alleged.

Gandhi also urged the Election Commission to hand over the requested material within one week, pointing out that even the Karnataka EC had sought the same data but received no response.