A major political storm has erupted in Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, following a controversial statement made by a foreign guest on the stage of the India Summit 2026 organized by the Congress party. During the event, a slogan was raised that provided opposition parties with a prime opportunity to corner the Congress. Giacomo Filibeck, the Secretary General of the European Socialist Party, stood on the stage and raised the controversial slogan 'Vote Thief, Leave Your Seat' in Hindi as 'Vot Chor, Gaddi Chhod'. Senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, were present on the same stage at the time. Immediately after this foreign leader's remarks surfaced, both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi strongly objected and launched a fierce attack against the Congress party.
BJP Launches a Sharp Attack on Rahul Gandhi
Telangana BJP President N. Ramchander Rao strongly criticized the Congress party over the entire episode. Taking to the social media platform X, he raised sharp questions, asking whether it is appropriate to let foreign leaders make a mockery of India's democracy and applaud their remarks. Targeting Rahul Gandhi, the BJP leader stated that he is no longer behaving like an Indian leader. He leveled serious allegations that Rahul Gandhi is operating under the directions of foreign forces. The BJP leader wrote in his post asking if it does not amount to treason to allow foreign leaders to mock the nation's democracy and proudly applaud their statements.
BRS Questions Remarks on Internal Issues
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi also jumped into this political controversy. BRS leader and national media panelist Kartik Indra Reddy Patlola questioned the statement made by Filibeck. Taking to X, he asked why a foreign leader was permitted to comment on India's internal political matters. He also targeted Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader looked pleased upon hearing the foreign leader's remarks. Trolling the Congress party in his post, the BRS leader questioned what kind of strategy it is to have a foreign leader comment on Indian political issues and have one's own leader rejoice over it.
Reference to Voter List and SIR Controversy
During his address at the India Summit 2026, Giacomo Filibeck specifically referred to the ongoing controversy in India regarding the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists, known as SIR. He raised the slogan in this very context. Praising Rahul Gandhi during his speech, Filibeck said that as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, he is fighting to keep the voter list clean and transparent while ensuring equal voting rights for every individual.
Democracy and the Principle of One Person, One Vote
Speaking at the grand stage of the India Summit 2026, the foreign leader praised the efforts made by Rahul Gandhi to protect the democratic system. He stated that as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi has defended the fundamental principle of democracy upon which every democratic system rests, which is the principle of one person, one vote. He also mentioned the march organized by opposition leaders and supporters two weeks ago at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan.
Slogan Raising and Repetition in English
Continuing his address, Giacomo Filibeck stated that democracy does not come by itself, and its protection requires those who are willing to raise their voices and fight for it. During this segment, he raised the Hindi slogan 'Vot Chor, Gaddi Chhod'. Following this, he repeated the same sentiment in English, stating from the stage, 'Vote Thief, Leave Your Seat', reiterating the message to the audience present at the venue.
