Election Commission Responds to Rahul Gandhi's Allegations on Maharashtra Elections
ECI Addresses Allegations from Rahul Gandhi
On Saturday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a detailed response to a tweet by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, regarding the upcoming Maharashtra elections. Gandhi had accused the central government of manipulating the electoral process for the 2024 Maharashtra polls in an article published in a national newspaper.
The ECI stated, “The unfounded claims made against the electoral rolls in Maharashtra undermine the rule of law. The Commission had previously addressed these concerns in its response to the Indian National Congress on December 24, 2024, which is accessible on the ECI's official website. It seems these facts are being overlooked while these issues are repeatedly raised.”
Furthermore, the Commission emphasized, “Spreading misinformation not only disrespects the law but also tarnishes the reputation of the numerous representatives appointed by their political parties and discourages the countless election officials who work diligently and transparently during elections. To label the Election Commission as compromised following an unfavorable voter verdict is utterly ridiculous.”
Following Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's tweet on Maharashtra election, ECI says, "...unsubstantiated allegations raised against the Electoral Rolls of Maharashtra are affront to the rule of law. The Election Commission had brought out all these facts in its reply to INC on 24th… pic.twitter.com/5M7Gzf1anI
— News Media (@NewsMedia) June 7, 2025
In his post on X, Rahul Gandhi outlined his views on election integrity, stating, “The Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024 serve as a model for undermining democracy. My article details the steps taken to achieve this:
Step 1: Manipulate the panel responsible for appointing the Election Commission
Step 2: Introduce fictitious voters into the rolls
Step 3: Inflate voter turnout statistics
Step 4: Focus fraudulent voting efforts in areas where the BJP needs to secure victories
Step 5: Conceal the evidence.”
He further remarked, “The BJP's desperation in Maharashtra is evident. However, rigging elections is akin to match-fixing; while the cheating side may win, it ultimately harms institutions and erodes public trust in the electoral process. It is crucial for all concerned citizens to examine the evidence, form their own judgments, and demand accountability.”
Gandhi warned that the tactics used in Maharashtra could soon be seen in Bihar and other regions where the BJP faces challenges. “Rigged elections are toxic for any democracy,” he concluded.
How to steal an election?
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 7, 2025
Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024 were a blueprint for rigging democracy.
My article shows how this happened, step by step:
Step 1: Rig the panel for appointing the Election Commission
Step 2: Add fake voters to the roll
Step 3: Inflate voter… pic.twitter.com/ntCwtPVXTu