Rahul Gandhi on Election Commission
TL;DR
Rahul Gandhi strongly criticizes the Election Commission, alleging complicity in a systemic 'vote chori' or electoral fraud.
Key Points
He alleged that at least six thousand votes were deleted in the Aland Assembly constituency through software manipulation in 2025.
He questioned why the Chief Justice of India was removed from the selection panel for appointing the Election Commissioner.
The Election Commission publicly rejected his allegations concerning vote deletion in September 2025, calling them incorrect and baseless.
Summary
Rahul Gandhi has taken a strong stance against the Election Commission of India (EC), framing its actions, or inactions, as complicit in what he terms 'vote chori,' or electoral theft. He has characterized this alleged complicity as the "biggest anti-national act," suggesting it dismantles the very idea of India by destroying democracy. The leader pointed to specific procedural changes and alleged irregularities, such as duplicate photos and bogus entries in electoral rolls, as evidence of a centralized theft of votes facilitated by the institution.
His criticism has focused on recent legislative changes, including the removal of the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel for Election Commissioners, which he views as undermining fairness in the appointment process. Furthermore, he has questioned a law allowing the EC to destroy CCTV footage from polling booths after 45 days and another giving commissioners immunity from punishment for their actions while in office. The Congress party subsequently launched a campaign based on these allegations, though the Election Commission has rejected his claims regarding vote deletion as baseless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rahul Gandhi's main criticism is that the Election Commission is complicit in a systemic process he calls 'vote chori' or electoral fraud. He views this alleged complicity as a fundamental attack on India's democracy and the idea of free elections.
He has objected to several legislative changes, including the removal of the Chief Justice of India from the EC selection panel and a law permitting the destruction of polling booth CCTV footage 45 days post-election. Rahul Gandhi argues these actions undermine institutional fairness.
Yes, the Election Commission has responded to his claims regarding vote deletion. In September 2025, the commission stated that the allegations made by the Congress leader were incorrect and baseless.
Sources3
Rahul Gandhi's clarion call against Vote Chori!
Vote Chori
Election Commission Rejects Rahul Gandhi's Allegations on Vote Deletion as Baseless
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.