Rahul Gandhi Challenges Election Commission Over Maharashtra Poll Allegations

Election Commission Responds to Rahul Gandhi's Claims

New Delhi: Following Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's request for the Election Commission's (EC) response regarding his claims of electoral fraud in the Maharashtra elections, sources from the commission indicated on Sunday that they would only address the matter if Gandhi formally contacts them.

The EC had previously engaged with all six national parties for discussions, but while five parties attended, Congress opted out of the scheduled meeting on May 15.

Gandhi criticized the EC after they dismissed his allegations of rigging in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, asserting that avoiding the truth would not safeguard the commission's reputation.

In his article, the Lok Sabha's Leader of Opposition accused the Maharashtra elections of being manipulated and warned that similar tactics would be employed in the upcoming Bihar elections and in any region where the BJP faces defeat.

When asked about Gandhi's request for CCTV footage from polling stations during the evening hours, EC sources clarified that such footage can be reviewed by the appropriate high court if an election petition is filed.

"This protocol is in place to maintain electoral integrity and protect voter privacy. Why does Rahul Gandhi wish to compromise voter privacy, which the EC is mandated to uphold?" questioned an EC official.

The official further suggested that Gandhi should have confidence in the high courts to address any alleged irregularities.

Additionally, they pointed out that by alleging discrepancies in the voter list, Gandhi inadvertently questioned the reliability of the booth-level agents and polling representatives from his own party in Maharashtra.