No Vote Deletion Can Be Done Online: EC Responds To Rahul Gandhi’s Vote Chori Allegations

The Election Commission of India has rejected Rahul Gandhi's claims that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is involved in voter deletions. They emphasised that no votes can be deleted without due process, reinforcing their commitment to electoral integrity amidst rising political tensions.

The Election Commission of India (EC) has strongly refuted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's claims that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was safeguarding those involved in voter deletion scams. The EC labelled Gandhi's allegations as "incorrect and baseless," emphasizing that no public member can delete votes online, contrary to Gandhi's assertions.

In a press conference filled with drama, Rahul Gandhi accused the electoral system of a software-driven plot to erase millions of voters from the rolls, particularly targeting Congress supporters. He claimed to have "100 per cent proof" from Karnataka's Aland constituency but refrained from revealing what he previously called a "hydrogen bomb" of evidence.

Allegations and Responses

Gandhi detailed alleged irregularities in Aland during the 2023 elections, claiming a targeted operation was discovered by chance. He explained that 6018 applications were filed impersonating voters, but those individuals never submitted them. A booth-level officer noticed her uncle's vote was deleted and found it was done by a neighbour who denied any involvement.

The EC clarified that no voter can be removed without due process, stating: "No deletion can take place without giving an opportunity of being heard to the affected person." They acknowledged attempts to fraudulently delete voters in Aland but stressed these efforts failed, leading to an FIR for investigation.

Software-Driven Deletion Claims

According to Gandhi, sophisticated software automated the deletion requests using mobile numbers from outside Karnataka. He alleged this targeted Congress voters specifically. Despite these claims, the EC maintained that elections in Aland were fair, with BJP's Subhadh Guttedar winning in 2018 and Congress' BR Patil in 2023.

Gandhi accused the Chief Election Commissioner directly, saying: "The Chief Election Commissioner of India is protecting the people who have destroyed Indian democracy." This serious charge against a constitutional authority highlights the tension between political parties and electoral bodies.

Gandhi declared at his press conference: "Some group of people have been targeting millions of voters for deletion across India." He insisted his claims were backed by verifiable facts and expressed his commitment to protecting India's democratic process.

The EC's dismissal of Gandhi's allegations underscores their stance on maintaining electoral integrity. They emphasized that any voter removal follows strict procedures and cannot occur without proper hearings for those affected.

This ongoing dispute between Rahul Gandhi and the Election Commission reflects broader concerns about electoral transparency and fairness in India. As political tensions rise, ensuring trust in democratic processes remains crucial for all stakeholders involved.