Qalam Times News Network
New Delhi | 8 June 2025
In a heated political exchange over the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has urged Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to submit a formal complaint if he wishes to pursue his allegations of electoral malpractice. The response follows Gandhi’s public accusations of “match-fixing” in the polls and claims that similar practices could emerge in upcoming elections, including those in Bihar.
Rahul Gandhi had earlier authored an article alleging systematic rigging in Maharashtra, asserting that democratic processes were being undermined. Reacting to this, an EC official stated that while the commission is open to examining concerns, it would only do so upon receiving a direct written communication from Gandhi himself.
The Commission also highlighted that all six national parties were invited for one-on-one consultations regarding electoral matters. Notably, while five parties participated, the Congress party had opted out of its scheduled meeting with the Commission on May 15.
Gandhi’s article, which branded the Maharashtra elections as a “blueprint for rigging democracy”, has drawn sharp criticism from several quarters. When asked about his demand for access to CCTV footage from polling stations, EC officials clarified that such materials are under the purview of the competent High Courts in the context of an election petition. “These safeguards exist to uphold the sanctity of elections and voter privacy. Inviting public scrutiny of this footage could compromise both,” said an EC source.
The poll body further pointed out that by alleging irregularities in voter lists and booth-level processes, Gandhi was effectively questioning the role of polling and counting agents—many of whom were appointed by his own party.
Meanwhile, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav came out in Gandhi’s support, launching a pointed attack against the BJP-led Centre. He accused the ruling party of exerting undue influence over constitutional bodies since 2014. Citing the 2020 Bihar elections, Yadav recalled how vote counting was inexplicably paused in the evening and resumed at night, altering expected outcomes. He questioned the Election Commission’s role at the time, alleging that democratic transparency had been compromised.
In a forceful rebuttal, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accused Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting the people’s mandate and undermining democratic institutions. “Gandhi’s repeated insinuations against the electoral system are not only baseless but insulting to the voters of Maharashtra,” Fadnavis said in a public statement. He warned that such rhetoric only deepens Congress’s disconnect with the electorate and reflects poorly on the party’s leadership.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance’s decisive win—securing 235 out of 288 seats—was a clear expression of public will. The opposition alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi, was left with only 46 seats combined, a setback severe enough that none of its parties qualified for the Leader of the Opposition post—a rare occurrence in the state’s legislative history.
Fadnavis concluded by accusing Gandhi of preemptively crafting excuses for potential future defeats, particularly in Bihar. “Rather than respecting the verdict of farmers, women, and the people of Maharashtra, Mr. Gandhi continues to belittle their voice. This won’t be forgotten,” he said.
In its formal rebuttal, the ECI reiterated that all stages of the electoral process—from the preparation of voter rolls to polling and counting—are executed by government officials under the scrutiny of party-appointed representatives. “To question these procedures without evidence not only tarnishes the integrity of the Commission but also demoralizes the lakhs of public servants committed to free and fair elections,” read the Commission’s statement.
As the political storm continues to escalate, all eyes are now on whether Rahul Gandhi will submit a formal complaint or continue to mount his criticism through public channels.
© Qalam Times News Network 2025
