Is the Election Commission Hiding the Truth About Voter Fraud?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Election Commission faces serious allegations regarding voter fraud.
- Support from Congress and Shiv Sena highlights the political ramifications.
- Calls for transparency are crucial for maintaining public trust in democracy.
- Specific evidence of electoral manipulation has been presented.
- The situation underscores the importance of accountability from electoral bodies.
New Delhi, Aug 8 (NationPress) Following the allegations made by Lok Sabha's Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, who claimed that the Election Commission of India (ECI) facilitated a "criminal fraud" in conjunction with the BJP to manipulate voter rolls in Karnataka, leaders from both the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) have expressed robust support for his statements, urging the Election Commission to respond publicly with substantiating evidence.
In an interview with IANS, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi remarked that the ECI's response to LoP Gandhi's press conference indicated a sense of "hesitation and discomfort."
He stated, "The necessity for the Election Commission to react following Rahul Gandhi’s press conference reflects their unease. They were unable to provide a direct answer to Rahul Gandhi’s incisive inquiries. Now, they seek proof and clarifications, yet Rahul Gandhi has already presented all relevant evidence publicly."
Gogoi further challenged the electoral body: "If the Election Commission possesses alternative or conflicting facts, they should disclose them. Rahul Gandhi cited numerous names; if you have data, demonstrate that he did not obtain that information from your official website..."
Adding her voice, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP, Priyanka Chaturvedi, also backed the allegations, drawing comparisons to similar incidents in Maharashtra.
In her comments to IANS, she stated, "Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi presented undeniable evidence from Karnataka illustrating how votes are being manipulated. A comparable situation transpired in Maharashtra, where around 12-13 thousand votes were found linked to the same university and college campuses, with students from other states casting votes there."
"Similarly, Karnataka's situation exposes the addition and deletion of voters to skew elections and undermine the electorate," she added.
Chaturvedi also questioned the silence regarding the BJP's prior commitments. "JP Nadda previously championed the slogan 'One Nation, One Election' before the Lok Sabha elections, yet it remains unfulfilled. There are over 400 such cases, and the Election Commission must respond appropriately instead of employing threats," she remarked.
Earlier on Thursday, LoP Gandhi asserted at a press conference that 1,00,250 fraudulent votes were generated in the Mahadevapura Assembly segment within the Bangalore Central Lok Sabha constituency, labeling it part of a broader scheme to secure the BJP's victory through electoral deceit.
Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat also weighed in, stating, "This issue is no laughing matter; the Election Commission must provide an answer. This is a critical issue, and as Rahul Gandhi clearly articulated yesterday, it represents an attempt to jeopardize democracy. Actions have already been initiated in this direction, but we will persist in our fight both inside and outside the House to safeguard democracy."
While the ECI issued a statement dismissing the allegations and requesting specific evidence, the Opposition continues to demand a thorough public response, urging the electoral body to clarify whether the data cited by LoP Gandhi was available on its official platforms.