Rahul Gandhi Questions Election Commission’s Transparency

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday raised concerns about the Election Commission of India’s transparency, alleging, “In Bihar, the Election Commission was caught red-handed stealing votes in the name of ‘SIR’ (Special Intensive Revision).”

“Their job is just theft, named ‘SIR’ – an FIR will be filed against those who expose them! Is the EC still the ‘Election Commission’ or has it completely become BJP’s ‘Election Theft’ branch, ” Gandhi questioned in a post on handle X.

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The Election Commission of India has started a Special Intensive Revision of the state’s electoral rolls four months before the Bihar state elections. The SIR’s effort is to “ensure that no eligible citizen is left out while no ineligible person is included in the Electoral Roll.”

Gandhi has recently also criticised the ECI for allegedly deleting evidence and not providing adequate answers regarding electoral processes.

Also, the Congress leader has been pressing the ECI for access to voter lists, polling data, and video footage, particularly in light of alleged irregularities during the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The ECI responded to Gandhi’s allegations, stating they were “unsubstantiated” and an “affront to the rule of law.”

The ECI instructed state officials to destroy CCTV, webcasting, and video footage of the election process 45 days after the results unless legally challenged. Gandhi criticised this move, suggesting it undermines democratic accountability.