Rahul Gandhi Accuses Maharashtra Elections of Vote Manipulation

In a bold move, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Maharashtra Assembly elections of vote manipulation, demanding the release of voter rolls and CCTV footage. Following a report indicating a significant increase in voters in Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' constituency, Gandhi questions the integrity of the Election Commission. He has consistently sought transparency in the electoral process, alleging irregularities and calling for accountability. As the political tension escalates, Fadnavis defends the election results, asserting that the Congress party's claims are unfounded. This ongoing controversy raises critical questions about the electoral integrity in Maharashtra.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 24, 2025, 18:49 IST

Allegations of Vote Theft in Maharashtra Assembly Elections

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has raised serious allegations regarding the Maharashtra Assembly elections conducted in November, claiming that 'vote theft' occurred. He has called for the immediate release of machine-readable digital voter rolls and CCTV footage from the polling stations.

Gandhi, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, made these remarks following a report that highlighted an 8% increase in voters in Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ constituency between the Lok Sabha elections in May and the Assembly elections.

He pointed out that certain booths experienced a surge of 20-25% in voter numbers, questioning whether the Election Commission is either silent or complicit in this alleged misconduct. 'The cover-up is the confession,' he stated.

The Mahayuti alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, emerged victorious against the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which includes the Congress party, in the Assembly elections.

Gandhi has been persistently requesting access to voter lists, polling data, and election footage, alleging various irregularities throughout the electoral process.

His comments came shortly after the Election Commission responded to him, asserting that all elections are conducted in accordance with laws established by Parliament. They invited him to discuss any concerns he might have.

In a previous email dated June 12, the Election Commission stated: 'If you still have any issues, you are welcome to write to us, and the commission is also willing to meet you in person at a mutually convenient date and time to discuss all issues.'

Earlier in February, the Congress party had questioned how the number of registered voters for the Maharashtra Assembly elections exceeded the adult population of the state. Gandhi had also asked why there was a significant increase in voters added to the electoral rolls between the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections compared to the previous five years.

The Election Commission dismissed these allegations as 'completely absurd,' suggesting that they were attempts to defame the commission by parties dissatisfied with the election results.

In an article published recently, Gandhi reiterated his claims of 'match-fixing' in the Maharashtra elections, alleging that there was widespread rigging involving national institutions.

In response to Gandhi's accusations, Fadnavis dismissed them as a reflection of the 'pain of Maharashtra’s crushing defeat,' asserting that reports of voter manipulation were unfounded. He noted that candidates from the Congress party or its allies won in over 25 constituencies where voter numbers increased by more than 8%.

Fadnavis highlighted specific examples, such as in West Nagpur, where the voter count rose by 7% and the Congress candidate won.

Supriya Sule, an MP from the Nationalist Congress Party, has called for a discussion in Parliament regarding the objections raised about the Maharashtra elections, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process.