EC Responds to Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations, Says Will Only React to Formal Complaint
New Delhi — A day after Congress leader and newly-appointed Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, alleged large-scale rigging in the Maharashtra elections, sources within the Election Commission of India (ECI) stated that the constitutional body will only respond to the allegations if Gandhi formally writes to it.
The remarks come in the wake of a recent article authored by Gandhi, in which he claimed the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections were manipulated.
The Congress leader further alleged that this was part of a broader pattern that, according to him, could extend to upcoming elections in states such as Bihar and any region where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faces defeat.
EC Invites Rebuttal, But Congress Missed Scheduled Meeting
Sources within the ECI pointed out that, as part of its institutional outreach and pre-scheduled engagement process, the Commission had extended invitations to all six recognized national parties for individual interactions on May 15.
While five of the six parties complied and held discussions with the Commission, the Congress party reportedly cancelled its meeting with EC officials.
The EC, which typically refrains from engaging with political commentary, noted that it remains committed to upholding the sanctity of the electoral process.
However, it emphasized that any such serious allegation warrants a direct, formal communication. “The Commission cannot and will not respond to indirect accusations or media articles.
If Mr. Gandhi has evidence or concerns, he must submit them officially,” a senior official stated.
Gandhi Demands Transparency, EC Cites Legal Protocol
Gandhi, in his article published Saturday, had challenged the Election Commission to release CCTV footage from polling stations across Maharashtra, especially from the evening hours, implying that electoral malpractice may have occurred during those crucial hours of voting and counting.
Responding to the demand, EC sources clarified that CCTV footage from polling stations is safeguarded and can only be accessed through the due process of law.
They emphasized that such footage can be reviewed by a competent High Court if an election petition is filed. “The Election Commission has set up this protocol to maintain both the transparency of elections and the privacy of voters,” said a functionary familiar with the matter.
The official further questioned the rationale behind Gandhi’s request, stating, “Why does Mr. Gandhi want to invade the privacy of voters?
The sanctity of the secret ballot is at the core of our democratic framework. If there are doubts, he should trust the judiciary to address them rather than resort to public speculation.”
Congress Accusations Undermine Own Cadre, Say EC Sources
In a further rebuttal, EC insiders pointed out that Gandhi’s claims about voter list discrepancies inadvertently undermine the efforts of his party workers.
“Every political party appoints booth-level agents, polling agents, and counting agents.
By suggesting that manipulation occurred, Rahul Gandhi is essentially casting doubt on the vigilance and integrity of his own party’s representatives who were present during every stage of the electoral process,” the official noted.
While the Election Commission has not issued a formal press release on the matter, the emerging responses suggest the institution’s discomfort with the public airing of unsubstantiated allegations.
The Commission insists that India’s electoral process remains among the most robust and transparent globally, supported by legal frameworks and oversight mechanisms, including judicial recourse for aggrieved parties.
A Larger Political Narrative?
Rahul Gandhi’s claims appear to be part of a broader political narrative being shaped by the Congress in the aftermath of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
With a renewed mandate and a key position as the Leader of the Opposition, Gandhi seems intent on scrutinizing the electoral processes, particularly in states where the results have been controversial or unexpected.
As political tensions continue to simmer, all eyes will be on whether Gandhi chooses to follow up with a formal complaint to the EC or escalate the matter through legal channels.
Until then, the Election Commission appears resolute in its stance: only direct engagement, not public polemics, will warrant a formal response.
