The Election Commission of India (ECI) has categorically dismissed allegations of “vote theft” made by the Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi during a protest march in the national capital. In an official statement, the poll body described the claims as “factually incorrect” and issued a fact-check detailing its position.
Background
The controversy arose after the INDIA bloc, led by the Congress, staged a protest over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Opposition leaders alleged manipulation and irregularities, calling it an attack on democratic rights.
However, the ECI’s fact-check countered these charges, asserting that the revision was conducted transparently and in compliance with due process.
ECI’s Key Clarifications
| Claim by Opposition | ECI’s Response |
|---|---|
| Electoral rolls in Bihar were tampered with to delete votes | No tampering — SIR process followed established protocols and was monitored closely |
| Opposition parties were kept in the dark | Multiple meetings were held with representatives from Congress, RJD, CPI and other parties |
| Lack of transparency in voter list publication | Draft rolls were made public; objections were invited and addressed |
| Evidence of bias in revision | Video statements from political representatives submitted to prove fair and inclusive process |
Evidence Presented by ECI
Video testimonials from representatives of Congress, RJD, CPI acknowledging meetings and participation in the process
Official records of pre- and post-draft publication meetings
Public notices inviting objections and corrections in the voter list
The poll body reiterated that voter list integrity is non-negotiable and that all revisions are subject to multiple levels of scrutiny.
Political Reactions
The Congress has yet to respond to the ECI’s fact-check, but sources within the INDIA bloc have indicated that they will continue to raise the issue both inside and outside Parliament.
Political analysts say this clash underlines the growing friction between the opposition and the poll panel ahead of upcoming elections, with voter roll transparency emerging as a key battleground.