The Election Commission on Wednesday rejected Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s “vote theft” allegations, asserting that electoral rolls are prepared in accordance with law.
Responding to a social media post of Gandhi demanding the poll panel to make digital voter list public, the ECI said, “Electoral rolls are prepared in accordance with Law. Any correction, deletion or inclusion in Electoral Roll can always be made as per procedure laid down in Law.”
The commission assured electors that no one can force to remove any names from final electoral rolls without following the procedure laid down in Law. It said while suo motu inquiry can be inititated in some cases by the ERO (electoral registration officer), he cannot issue thousands of notices merely on the basis of allegations.
“While ERO can always Suo moto inquire into a few cases based on Print, TV or Social Media, he cannot issue thousands of notices merely on the basis of allegations made by someone on Print, TV or Social Media which may lead to harassing thousands of Eligible Electors without any material evidence,” it said.
The commision reiterated that the evidence tendered by a person shall be given on oath under Rule 20 (3) (b) of Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. “The Election Commission was, is, and will always stand with each eigible elector,” it added.
Earlier on August 7, Gandhi had alleged “vote theft” in Karnataka’s Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha seat during 2024 general elections. He claimed over one lakh bogus voters in Mahadevapura assembly segment of the Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha constituency. He also released what he described was “criminal eveidence” to back his claim. He cited several examples to prove his claim and demanded a thorough investigation.
In response, the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer asked him to give a signed oath and declaration and provide his evidence to the panel so that an inquiry can be conducted.