ECI Challenges Rahul Gandhi to Sign Declaration or Apologise Over ‘Voter Fraud’ Claim

August 9, 2025 MTIMES 50 Views BJP, Congress, Election Commission of India, Indian politics news, Karnataka politics, Mahadevapura elections, Priyanka Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, voter fraud 2 min read

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday issued a sharp response to Rahul Gandhi voter fraud allegations, challenging the Congress leader to either sign a formal declaration supporting his claims or apologise to the nation.

A day earlier, Rahul Gandhi had presented findings in New Delhi, alleging that the poll body “colluded” with the BJP to “steal” over 1 lakh votes in the Mahadevapura assembly segment of Bangalore Central during last year’s general elections.

Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Fraud Allegations in Karnataka

According to Gandhi, a Congress team of 40 members analysed the voter list and discovered duplicate entries, fake addresses, false photographs, and suspicious Form 6 applications. He claimed his party led in all other assembly areas of Bangalore Central, yet the BJP gained a 1.14 lakh-vote lead in Mahadevapura, securing the seat by 32,707 votes.

ALSO READ| EC Asks Rahul Gandhi to Submit Oath, Proof for ‘Vote Chori’ Claim in Karnataka, Maharashtra

Election Commission’s Demand to Rahul Gandhi

The ECI has asked Gandhi to either sign a declaration under Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, confirming the authenticity of his claims, or apologise for making “absurd allegations.” Officials stated that in the past, Rahul Gandhi has never personally signed letters to the Commission, often disowning correspondence sent by others on his behalf.

State election officials from Maharashtra and Karnataka have also formally written to him, seeking a signed statement with specific voter details to proceed with any action.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra defended her brother, stating that the allegations should be investigated instead of demanding an affidavit. She warned that those responsible for undermining democracy would eventually be held accountable.

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