ECI Responds to Rahul Gandhi's Allegations on Maharashtra Elections
Election Commission Addresses Allegations
On Saturday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) released a detailed response following a tweet from Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, regarding the Maharashtra elections. In his column published in a national newspaper, he accused the central government of manipulating the upcoming Maharashtra polls in 2024.
The ECI stated, “The baseless claims made against the electoral rolls in Maharashtra undermine the rule of law. We had previously addressed these concerns in our response to the Indian National Congress on December 24, 2024, which is accessible on our official website. It seems these facts are being overlooked while the same issues are raised repeatedly.”
Furthermore, the commission emphasized, “Spreading misinformation is not only disrespectful to the law but also tarnishes the reputation of the numerous representatives appointed by their political parties. It demotivates the countless election officials who work diligently and transparently during the electoral process. To accuse the Election Commission of being compromised after an unfavorable outcome for any party 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 tweet, Rahul Gandhi outlined his views on how elections could be manipulated, stating, “The Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024 serve as a model for undermining democracy. My article details the steps involved:
Step 1: Manipulate the panel for selecting the Election Commission
Step 2: Introduce fictitious voters into the rolls
Step 3: Inflate voter turnout
Step 4: Focus on bogus voting 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. All citizens must examine the evidence and demand accountability.”
Gandhi warned that the tactics used in Maharashtra could soon spread to Bihar and other regions where the BJP faces challenges, asserting, “Rigged elections are toxic for any democracy.”
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