Photo Credit: Hindustan Times
A political storm is brewing after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of “match-fixing” the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. In a swift and stern response, the poll body has asked Gandhi to submit a formal, written complaint rather than making public statements that, according to the EC, undermine democratic institutions.
During a recent press conference, Gandhi alleged widespread electoral malpractice in Maharashtra, claiming there were irregularities in the voter rolls and voting patterns, particularly in the hours after 5 pm on polling day. He also raised concerns that the same alleged “rigging playbook” may be repeated in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, urging vigilance and public awareness.
The Election Commission has strongly refuted these allegations, terming them “completely absurd” and “unsubstantiated.” According to the EC, despite sending a detailed reply to the Congress party on December 24, 2024, regarding concerns about voter roll inflation and vote count discrepancies, no formal complaint was filed thereafter by the Congress leadership.
“The Commission notes with regret that Mr. Rahul Gandhi has chosen to make public statements instead of utilizing institutional channels already offered to him,” said a senior ECI official in a written statement. The EC further emphasized that Gandhi was invited on May 15, 2025, to present specific evidence and data points supporting his claims, but no such communication was received.
Gandhi, in his press interaction, cited a significant increase in voter numbers between the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Maharashtra, suggesting inflated electoral rolls. He demanded the release of machine-readable rolls and CCTV footage from polling booths, especially from the post-5 pm window where, he claimed, “the pattern changed mysteriously.”
Congress’s Maharashtra unit (MPCC) has backed its leader’s call and announced a statewide protest on June 12, demanding electoral transparency. MPCC leaders say they will continue to press for release of polling footage and a detailed audit of the electoral process in the state.
Responding to Gandhi’s allegations, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed the claims as “baseless theatrics,” adding, “Dhool chehre pe thi aur shisha doshi bana diya.” The BJP leader accused Gandhi of undermining public institutions for political mileage.
Meanwhile, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav voiced concern over the integrity of the electoral system, saying that “every institution is being remote-controlled,” a reference to what he believes is increasing political interference in neutral bodies like the EC.
While Gandhi has not ruled out taking the matter to court if the EC does not act, legal experts say that without a formal petition or a structured grievance, the matter may not progress beyond political sparring.
This controversy, especially with the Bihar elections around the corner, has brought the spotlight firmly back on the role and perception of constitutional bodies. The Election Commission, tasked with upholding the democratic fabric of the country, now finds itself navigating between defending its credibility and maintaining electoral sanctity.
As political rhetoric intensifies, all eyes will be on whether Rahul Gandhi follows through with a formal complaint and whether the EC opens a wider probe or maintains its current stance. What remains clear is that the issue has added a volatile dimension to an already charged political atmosphere.
