“Vote Chori” Row: Election Commission Rejects Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar

A fierce political storm has erupted after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar of enabling systematic voter deletions. Gandhi described the alleged malpractice as “vote chori,” or vote theft, claiming that thousands of legitimate voters were targeted in constituencies where Congress enjoys significant support. The ECI, however, has dismissed these allegations as “incorrect and baseless,” reaffirming that electoral safeguards prevent any arbitrary deletions.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh KumarImage Source : PTI | India TV News

Rahul Gandhi’s Claims of Voter Deletion

Rahul Gandhi’s allegations center on two constituencies — Aland in Karnataka and Rajura in Maharashtra. He claimed that over 6,000 applications were filed in Aland in an attempt to remove voters from the rolls before the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. According to him, many of these applications were fraudulent, filed using software tools and mobile numbers from outside the state, raising suspicions of a coordinated campaign.

In Rajura, Gandhi alleged that nearly 6,800 names were tampered with, either through mass deletions or bogus entries. He argued that these incidents were not isolated but reflected a systematic attempt to undermine democracy by targeting constituencies where Congress traditionally performed well. Gandhi further demanded that the ECI share crucial technical data, such as IP addresses, OTP trails, and device logs, with Karnataka’s Crime Investigation Department (CID) to establish accountability.

The Election Commission’s Response

The Election Commission has strongly refuted Gandhi’s allegations. It clarified that the public cannot directly delete voter names online and that every deletion request undergoes a rigorous verification process. The commission stressed that no name can be removed without giving the affected individual an opportunity to be heard, ensuring that due process is followed.

The EC acknowledged that in Aland, certain deletion attempts were indeed made in 2022–23. However, these were largely unsuccessful, with most applications rejected after verification. The commission also noted that an FIR had already been filed under its instructions to investigate suspicious activity. As part of its rebuttal, the EC pointed out that election outcomes in Aland reflected a fair process, with the BJP winning the seat in 2018 and Congress securing it in 2023.

Political and Legal Repercussions

The controversy has sparked sharp reactions across the political spectrum. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has backed Gandhi’s demands, urging the ECI to share complete technical details with the state CID within a week. Congress leaders argue that withholding such data undermines transparency and fuels suspicion about electoral integrity.

Meanwhile, the ruling BJP has dismissed the allegations as a political ploy, accusing the opposition of attempting to discredit independent institutions ahead of key elections. Independent media investigations have also revealed that some suspicious deletion applications were flagged by Booth Level Officers in Aland, prompting closer scrutiny. These reports confirm that while irregular attempts were made, verification mechanisms prevented most fraudulent deletions from being carried out.

Broader Concerns Over Electoral Integrity

The allegations have reignited broader concerns about the transparency and resilience of India’s electoral system. While the ECI maintains that safeguards are effective, questions remain about the vulnerability of online systems and the need for stricter oversight. Critics argue that the commission must do more to reassure the public, particularly by openly cooperating with investigative agencies and sharing technical data.

This episode also highlights the fragile trust between political parties and electoral institutions. In a democracy where elections are the ultimate arbiter of legitimacy, even allegations of manipulation—whether proven or not—can significantly erode public confidence.

The MGMM Outlook

Rahul Gandhi’s latest “vote chori” outburst once again exposes his tendency to create baseless controversies for political mileage. His allegations against the Election Commission and CEC Gyanesh Kumar, claiming large-scale voter deletions in Karnataka’s Aland and Maharashtra’s Rajura constituencies, have been thoroughly rejected by the ECI as “incorrect and baseless.” Despite existing safeguards that prevent arbitrary deletions and the commission’s clarification that fraudulent applications were mostly rejected after verification, Gandhi continues to peddle a narrative that weakens trust in democratic institutions. His demand for technical data like IP logs and OTP trails looks less like a pursuit of justice and more like an attempt to cast doubts on the system whenever Congress faces challenges at the ballot box.

This episode reflects Rahul Gandhi’s political strategy of blame-shifting rather than introspection. While Congress allies echo his claims to score points, independent investigations show that the system worked and most bogus deletion attempts were blocked. The fact that Congress eventually won Aland in 2023 only proves the fairness of the process. By repeatedly undermining the Election Commission without evidence, Gandhi risks eroding public confidence in India’s democratic framework. Instead of constantly crying foul, he would do better to focus on strengthening his party’s ground connection, rather than targeting institutions that have consistently upheld electoral integrity.

(Sources: India TV News, Hindustan Times, India Today)