Are Rahul Gandhi's 'Vote Theft' Claims Justified?

New Delhi, July 25 (NationPress) A significant political uproar occurred on Friday after the Election Commission refuted the claims made by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, regarding alleged "vote theft" in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal-United (JD-U) criticized him for undermining the dignity of his position and indulging in desperate and destructive politics.

On Thursday, the Election Commission released a statement indicating that Gandhi’s allegations seemed to be an "afterthought", particularly since no formal election petition had been filed within the required timeframe. The poll body noted that candidates or parties dissatisfied with the election results have the option to file petitions in the respective state’s high court within 45 days. The Commission stressed that unfounded public allegations cannot replace the necessary legal procedures.

In response to the EC’s comments, BJP MP and former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai remarked to IANS: "Rahul Gandhi targets a new state daily. This behavior is not constructive; it’s destructive politics. By questioning the voters of Karnataka, he is insulting their choices. Ironically, it was his party’s government led by Siddaramaiah that managed the electoral rolls, with officials under their control. It’s unfortunate that the LoP has stooped to such lows."

BJP spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain connected Gandhi’s statements to the fear of an impending electoral defeat.

"Following losses in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Delhi, Rahul Gandhi is now fearful of a total wipeout in Bihar. Internal surveys suggest that the NDA is likely to achieve a landslide victory, potentially winning over 200 seats. Their anxiety is driving this rhetoric. Figures like Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi are even considering boycotting elections, indicating their lack of confidence."

JD-U leaders also expressed strong disapproval of Gandhi's remarks.

Senior JD-U leader Madan Sahni stated: "The Election Commission has not only dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s claims but also similar accusations from Tejashwi Yadav. We stand firmly with the Election Commission, which has executed its duties effectively and impartially. Questioning the credibility of such an institution without evidence is simply irresponsible."

Another JD-U leader, Vinay Kumar, sarcastically questioned why the media even paid attention to Gandhi’s comments.

"Why give him any attention? The Election Commission has dismissed his claims. He seldom makes fact-based statements. If he wins, the system is fair; if he loses, suddenly it’s broken. How can both be true?" he commented to IANS.

Kumar contended that the very electoral system has brought victories to various parties, including the Congress.

"When we win in Bengal, it’s said that Mamata (Banerjee) is popular. When we win in Maharashtra, we celebrate. The same Election Commission oversees those elections too. It’s irrational to question the process only when the outcomes are unfavorable. This unfounded criticism reveals their acceptance of defeat already."

Meanwhile, Congress MLA Shakeel Ahmad Khan defended Gandhi’s position, expressing concerns regarding the EC’s impartiality.

"Who has rejected the claim? Naturally, the Election Commission will dismiss it. When the Commission operates with bias, even legitimate concerns will be overlooked. The public is aware of what’s unfolding," he stated.

On Thursday, Gandhi claimed to possess "concrete 100 percent proof" that the Election Commission facilitated cheating in a Karnataka constituency. He also cautioned the poll panel that they would not escape accountability, asserting, "We are coming for you."

In a statement, the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer also countered Gandhi’s accusations, stating that electoral rolls are prepared transparently and shared with recognized political parties.

"As already informed by the Election Commission of India, electoral rolls are distributed to all recognized political parties. During the Special Summary Revision-2024, which took place before the General Elections to Lok Sabha-2024, draft and final electoral rolls for all 224 assembly constituencies were provided to representatives of all registered and recognized political parties, including the Indian National Congress (INC)," CEO V. Anbukumar clarified.