EC Issues Ultimatum to Rahul Gandhi Over ‘Vote Chori’ Remarks
The Election Commission of India (EC) has issued a strong notice to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, demanding either a signed affidavit or an apology for his recent “vote chori” (vote theft) allegations. Gandhi had claimed that large-scale electoral fraud occurred during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, particularly in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura constituency.
Formal Declaration Demanded by EC
The Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Haryana have written to Gandhi, invoking Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. They requested him to submit a sworn declaration with detailed evidence, including:
- Names of voters allegedly involved in duplication or fraud
- Part number of the electoral roll
- Serial number in the roll
The letters warned that providing false evidence could invite up to three years in prison under Sections 227/229 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and up to a year under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
Uttar Pradesh CEO Rejects Claims
In a pointed response, the Uttar Pradesh CEO dismissed Gandhi’s claim that two individuals, Aditya Srivastava and Vishal Singh, were registered voters in both Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. The official stressed that the electoral rolls were prepared transparently, in compliance with all legal provisions and guidelines issued by the EC.
The Karnataka CEO also noted that the final rolls had been shared with Congress representatives, while Maharashtra and Haryana CEOs highlighted that the party had not filed any appeals regarding alleged discrepancies before the polls.
Rahul Gandhi Stands by His Allegations
Speaking at the All India Congress Committee’s (AICC) Indira Bhawan headquarters, Gandhi accused the EC of avoiding the core issue. He argued that his public statements should be considered equivalent to a sworn oath.
“I am a politician. What I say to the people is my word. Take it as an oath,” Gandhi declared. He further alleged that the EC had not denied the authenticity of the voter lists he presented but was instead demanding procedural compliance.
Breakdown of Alleged Fraud
Gandhi claimed that in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura segment alone:
- 11,965 duplicate voters were detected
- 40,009 voters had fake or invalid addresses
- 10,452 were listed as bulk voters under one address
- 4,132 had invalid photographs
- 33,692 voters had misused Form 6
The Congress leader alleged that such discrepancies amounted to “vote chori” of 1,00,250 votes.
Warning to Election Officials
Gandhi warned polling officers allegedly involved in electoral fraud that there would be accountability if the Opposition came to power. “One day, we will return to power, and you will see the consequences,” he said.
He stressed that the alleged fraud was not just a political matter but an attack on the foundation of Indian democracy and a violation of the Constitution.
EC’s Position
The EC has maintained that electoral rolls are prepared in a transparent and participatory manner. Officials insist that all political parties have the opportunity to review and raise objections before finalisation. The commission also pointed out that Congress had failed to pursue official appeals in states where discrepancies were claimed.