CEOs of Karnataka, Haryana and Maharashtra ask Rahul Gandhi to substantiate his ‘vote chori’ allegations under oath

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Karnataka has called upon Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to provide evidence under oath to support his allegations against the Election Commission of India. The development comes after Gandhi on Thursday leveled serious accusations against the poll panel, questioning its credibility and impartiality.

Addressing a press conference, Gandhi had leveled allegations of electoral manipulation against the Election Commission and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming that since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the poll panel colluded with the BJP to steal elections. He cited discrepancies in voter lists and sudden spikes in voting patterns.

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The Karnataka CEO asked Gandhi to sign and return a declaration under oath in a proforma enclosed in the letter, along with the names of electors, to initiate necessary proceedings.

The Congress leader had claimed there was “vote chori” of 1,00,250 votes in a constituency with 11,965 duplicate voters in one assembly segment, 40,009 voters with fake and invalid addresses, 10,452 bulk voters or single address voters, 4,132 voters with invalid photos, and 33,692 voters misusing Form 6 of new voters.

Also read: ‘Vote Chori’: Rahul questions EC’s role in electoral manipulation

The LoP in the Lok Sabha had earlier also alleged that the ECI was “compromised” and claimed that there were irregularities in the Maharashtra assembly elections. He cited a statistically impossible surge in voter turnout within a short period as evidence of electoral manipulation. The ECI had refuted these claims, stating that the electoral rolls were updated with minimal contestation.

The CEO’s request to Rahul Gandhi is seen as a move to verify the authenticity of his allegations. By asking Gandhi to substantiate his claims under oath, the CEO aims to determine whether the allegations are based on facts or are mere speculation.

Gandhi has been vocal about his concerns regarding the electoral process, alleging that the system is vulnerable to manipulation. He has pointed to instances of alleged electoral irregularities, including fake voters, inflated voter turnout, and bogus voting.

The Election Commission has maintained that the electoral process is transparent and that the allegations made by Gandhi are unfounded. The poll body has also emphasised that the electoral rolls are updated regularly, and any claims or objections are thoroughly investigated.

❌The statements made are Misleading #ECIFactCheck

✅Read the details in the image attached https://t.co/746fmzkCvl pic.x.com/gvhEXXto8I

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) August 7, 2025

Haryana, Maharashtra CEOs also seek a signed Declaration/Oath from Rahul Gandhi

After Karnataka, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Haryana has also responded to Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of rigging in the state assembly elections, asking the Congress leader to submit a signed declaration/oath as per Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, along with the names of such electors so that necessary proceedings can be initiated. Similarly, the Maharashtra CEO has also written to Rahul Gandhi, requesting him to give a signed declaration/oath under the above-mentioned rule.