Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP of Match-Fixing in Maharashtra Elections; Election Commission Rejects Allegations
ECI On Rahul Gandhi Allegation: Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accused the BJP of 'match-fixing' in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The Election Commission of India (ECI) dismissed these allegations as baseless and unfounded, stating that such accusations are an affront to democracy and the electoral process. The ECI completely rejected Gandhi's claims, asserting that its functioning is transparent and impartial.
Rahul Gandhi Alleges 'Match-Fixing' in Maharashtra Elections
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, leveled serious accusations against the BJP regarding the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. He claimed the election was akin to match-fixing, alleging that the BJP manipulated the electoral process to ensure victory. Gandhi detailed these alleged manipulations in a written article.
His accusations included alleged irregularities in the appointment of election officials, the addition of fraudulent voters to the electoral rolls, an unusual surge in voter turnout, and targeted fraudulent voting in areas where the BJP needed to win. He asserted that this constituted a blueprint for rigging that altered the outcome of the Maharashtra elections.
Election Commission Rejects Rahul Gandhi's Allegations
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) responded to Rahul Gandhi's allegations, terming them baseless and absurd. The ECI clarified that it had previously addressed the Congress party's concerns regarding the Maharashtra voter list, and this response is available on the ECI website.
The ECI stated that repeatedly making such allegations is a contempt of the rule of law and undermines the efforts of thousands of officials and personnel involved in the electoral process. The commission deemed the spread of such misinformation a threat to democracy.
ECI States that Such Accusations are Detrimental
The Election Commission stated that such unfounded allegations not only tarnish the electoral process but also demoralize the thousands of election officials and personnel who work diligently to conduct fair elections.
The ECI further stated that attempting to discredit the commission after the people have cast their votes is foolish and wrong. They emphatically reiterated that the Election Commission is entirely transparent and impartial, and allegations of manipulation or rigging cannot be made without substantial evidence.
