The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a stern response on Saturday to Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s claims that the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections were a “blueprint for rigging democracy.”
In a sharply worded statement, the poll body termed Gandhi’s allegations as “unsubstantiated” and “an affront to the rule of law.” It noted that the issues raised had already been addressed in detail in a public response dated December 24, 2024, which remains available on the ECI’s official website.
“Unsubstantiated allegations raised against the Electoral Rolls of Maharashtra are an affront to the rule of law,” the ECI said, urging public figures to refrain from repeatedly ignoring facts already placed on record.
The Commission warned that the spread of misinformation undermines faith in India’s electoral process, disrespects legal frameworks, and demoralizes millions of election staff who conduct polls with transparency.
“After any unfavourable verdict by the voters, trying to defame the Election Commission by saying that it is compromised, is completely absurd,” the statement added.
Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of rigging the Maharashtra polls and suggested a similar strategy would be used in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. He alleged manipulation of voter rolls, inflated turnout, and targeted bogus voting in key areas.
The ECI’s rebuttal marks a firm stand against what it views as attempts to erode public confidence in electoral integrity.
