Are Digital Copies of Electoral Rolls Available as ECI Claims?
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Synopsis
In a recent clarification, the Election Commission of India rebutted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's claims about the unavailability of digital electoral rolls. This article explores the facts surrounding this controversy and highlights the importance of transparency in the electoral process.
Key Takeaways
- ECI provides access to digital electoral rolls for public scrutiny.
- All recognized political parties receive both digital and physical copies of electoral rolls.
- Transparency in elections is crucial for democracy.
- Gandhi's campaign aims to raise awareness about electoral integrity.
- Public participation is vital in auditing electoral processes.
New Delhi, Aug 10 (NationPress) Responding to allegations from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Election Commission of India asserted on Sunday that his statement regarding the unavailability of digital copies of electoral rolls for political parties is entirely false and misleading.
Shortly after Gandhi reiterated his claim of "Vote Chori" (vote theft) against the electoral body, the ECI released a fact-check, stating, "Any individual or political party can download the Electoral Rolls for all 36 States/UTs by visiting https://voters.eci.gov.in/download-eroll and verify the information themselves."
To counter Gandhi's assertions regarding the lack of digital electoral rolls, the ECI emphasized, "According to the Registration of Electors Rules 1960, every recognized political party receives both digital and physical copies of the Draft and Final Electoral Rolls."
The commission further noted that prior to each election, both digital and physical copies of the Draft and Final Electoral Rolls are routinely shared with all political parties, including Congress, under their signatures.
The fact-check was issued shortly after Gandhi launched a website to garner public support for the Congress campaign against "Vote Chori."
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi shared a brief video stating, "It is essential that we unveil Voter Chori."
Speaking in Hindi in the video, Gandhi encouraged citizens to actively support the campaign by visiting the site and helping to prevent the ongoing theft of votes in the nation.
Describing this struggle as a defense of democracy, Gandhi wrote on X, "Vote Chori undermines the fundamental principle of 'one man, one vote'. A clean voter roll is crucial for free and fair elections."
"Our demand from the EC is straightforward - be transparent and release digital voter rolls so that both the public and parties can audit them. Join us and support our demand by visiting http://votechori.in/ecdemand or give a missed call at 9650003420," Gandhi stated.
During an event in Bengaluru on August 8, Gandhi requested that the Election Commission of India (ECI) provide the electronic voters’ list for the past decade along with video recordings. He warned that failing to do so would imply that the ECI is concealing electoral fraud and committing a crime.
Point of View
It's crucial to emphasize that maintaining transparency in electoral processes is vital for democracy. The ECI's commitment to providing access to digital electoral rolls is essential for ensuring the integrity of elections and public trust in the system. The allegations made by political figures must be scrutinized to uphold democratic values.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I download the electoral rolls?
You can download the electoral rolls for any of the 36 States/UTs by visiting the official link: https://voters.eci.gov.in/download-eroll.
What did the ECI say in response to Gandhi's claims?
The ECI stated that Gandhi's assertions about the unavailability of digital electoral rolls are false and emphasized that all recognized political parties receive both digital and physical copies of the electoral rolls.
What is 'Vote Chori'?
'Vote Chori' refers to the alleged manipulation or theft of votes during elections, a claim raised by Rahul Gandhi in his campaign against electoral fraud.
