Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has bly questioned the Election Commission's approach. The matter began when Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, alleged that over a lakh of 'fake votes' were being cast.
Priyanka Gandhi: The Election Commission's Fact Check Cell has responded bly to the allegations of malpractice made by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. The ECI Fact Check has termed his allegations misleading, posting on social media platform 'X' that if Rahul Gandhi believes his claims are correct, he should sign a declaration or affidavit under Rule 20(3)(B) of the Voter Registration Rules 1960 and submit it by Thursday evening.
The Election Commission also clarified that this affidavit should be submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra for further necessary action.
Rahul Gandhi's Allegation and the Election Commission's Response
Rahul Gandhi recently alleged that there have been a large number of fake voter registrations in some assembly constituencies. He claimed that in one assembly seat alone, there are more than one lakh fake votes. According to him, this manipulation in the voter list could seriously affect the democratic process.
Following these allegations, the Election Commission's Fact Check Unit issued a statement terming Rahul Gandhi's claims misleading. The commission also said that if Rahul Gandhi believes in the truth of his allegations, he should sign a declaration or affidavit under Section 20(3)(B) of the Voter Registration Rules 1960 and submit it to the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra by Thursday evening for further action.
Priyanka Gandhi's Rebuttal – 'Why isn't there an investigation?'
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra reacted sharply to this, saying:
'According to the petition, an affidavit can be submitted within 30 days, but no action is being taken. Why are they asking for an affidavit? If there has been a deliberate mistake, then there should be an investigation. Why are you not giving us the voter list? Why aren't you investigating? Instead, you're saying, sign an affidavit and give it. What greater oath is there than the one we take in the House?'
Priyanka alleged that the commission should directly investigate the matter, but instead, those who are complaining are being entangled in formalities.
Explaining the Point with a Teacher's Example
Priyanka Gandhi compared the working style of the Election Commission to a school situation. She said:
'If you go to the teacher and say, Ma'am, there is cheating happening, will the teacher slap you or say that I will investigate? The teacher will first check what is happening. But here, instead of investigating the complaint, the complainant is being asked for an affidavit and no action is being taken.'
Political Significance of 'Fake Votes'
Priyanka Gandhi also clarified that every single voter is important in an assembly election. She said: If there are more than one lakh fake votes in an assembly, then think about what impact it will have on the result. The one contesting the election understands how serious this is. If fake votes are pre-determined, then they will ensure the win.
Priyanka's statement underlines the opposition's concern that any manipulation in the voter list can directly affect the election results.
Opposition's Strategy – INDIA Alliance will decide
When Priyanka Gandhi was asked what the opposition's strategy would be going forward, she said that the leaders of the INDIA alliance would decide on this together. But she emphasized that this is not just a Congress issue, but a matter of concern for all parties and citizens who have faith in democracy. Priyanka also said that the reactions of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on this entire matter are also saying a lot. According to her, these reactions make it clear how serious the matter is and why the opposition is emphasizing it.
