NEW DELHI: Terming Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s charges of “vote chori” as “baseless”, the Election Commission of India has strongly refuted the accusations and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the principles of free, fair, and transparent elections. Gandhi had alleged that the poll body is complicit in “vote chori” to benefit the BJP.
Despite making repeated efforts to engage with Rahul Gandhi, he had shown no intent to formally communicate his concerns, the ECI maintained.
A letter and an email were both sent to Gandhi on June 12, 2025, inviting him to share evidence or engage in dialogue, sources said. However, there was no response from his end, sources in the ECI said.
They also pointed out that Gandhi has never submitted any letter, complaint, or formal representation to the Commission on any electoral issue so far.
The poll body also expressed deep concern over the tone of Gandhi’s recent statements, which it said have not only made unsubstantiated allegations but also amounted to veiled threats directed at EC officials.
“It is very strange that instead of approaching the constitutional institution through due process, such wild and irresponsible statements are being made – and now even threats are being issued. This is deplorable,” said sources.
Despite this, the Election Commission said it would not be distracted by such politically charged rhetoric.
It advised all election officials across the country to remain focused on their duties and to continue working with impartiality and transparency, refusing to be influenced by what it described as “politically motivated and baseless” remarks.
The remarks from the Commission come in response to Rahul Gandhi’s claim that his party had “open and shut” evidence of alleged electoral fraud involving the ECI.
Describing the “evidence” as an “atom bomb,” the Congress MP warned that once it was made public, the Commission would have “no place to hide.”
Gandhi reiterated that irregularities had occurred in the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, continued through the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, and extended to voter list ‘manipulations’ in Maharashtra.
Agencies
Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of ‘vote Chori’ are baseless: ECI
