Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has alleged that the Election Commission in India was “compromised”, saying that there was “something very wrong with the system.”
BY PC Bureau
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Maharashtra, alleging significant irregularities in voter turnout figures during the recent assembly elections.
Gandhi’s Allegations
Speaking at an event in Boston, USA, on Sunday, Gandhi claimed that between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm on polling day, the Election Commission of India (ECI) reported an unexpected addition of 6.5 million votes. He argued that such a surge in votes within a two-hour window is “physically impossible,” citing the average time it takes for an individual to cast a vote. Gandhi further alleged that requests for videography of polling stations were denied and that subsequent changes in election laws have limited access to such material.
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Boston, US: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says “It is very clear to us that the Election Commission is compromised, and it is very clear that there is something wrong with the system. I have said this multiple times…More people voted in the Maharashtra Assembly… pic.twitter.com/tUa7i2S2XN
— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2025
Election Commission’s Response
In response, the ECI has categorically dismissed these allegations, asserting the transparency and integrity of the electoral process. The Commission explained that the increase in voter turnout figures after 5 pm is a normal part of the data aggregation process, as final numbers are compiled from all polling stations and verified before being released. The ECI emphasized that Form 17C, which records the number of votes polled at each station, is provided to authorized agents of candidates at the close of polling, ensuring that the data cannot be manipulated post-facto.
Regarding the allegations of irregularities in the electoral rolls, the ECI clarified that any additions or deletions of voters are conducted following strict protocols, with the active participation of political parties. The Commission noted that the average number of deletions per assembly constituency was around 2,779, primarily due to deaths, relocations, or duplicate entries, and that these processes were transparent and included input from Congress representatives.
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The ECI has invited the Congress party to review the data and processes in person, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and collaboration with all stakeholders to uphold the integrity of India’s electoral system.
