Has Maharashtra CEO Reminded Rahul Gandhi to Submit Voter List Allegations Declaration?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rahul Gandhi has been formally reminded to submit necessary documents.
- The allegations involve ineligible and eligible voters in Maharashtra.
- The submission is crucial for an investigation.
- Political tensions are rising around voter list integrity.
- The Election Commission defends the validity of the voter lists.
New Delhi, Aug 10 (NationPress) The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Maharashtra has formally reminded Congress MP and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to provide a signed declaration alongside the details of voters related to his recent claims about the state's electoral lists.
This reminder, dated August 10, 2025, references statements made by Gandhi during a press conference held on August 7, 2025, where he accused the authorities of the "inclusion of ineligible voters and exclusion of eligible ones" from Maharashtra's voting lists.
The CEO's office had previously sent an official request on August 7, asking for specific details of the concerned electors along with a sworn declaration, as stipulated under Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. In this latest correspondence, the CEO has reinforced this request, urging Gandhi to submit the signed Declaration/Oath within ten days.
The letter emphasizes that this submission is essential "to initiate necessary proceedings in accordance with the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960." It highlights that without the formal declaration, the electoral authorities cannot proceed with an investigation into the allegations made during Gandhi's press conference.
This incident adds a new layer to the ongoing political discourse surrounding voter list integrity, a topic that has frequently led to confrontations between the ruling party and the opposition.
While the Congress party has accused electoral authorities of bias and irregularities, the Election Commission has maintained that all voter lists are crafted following proper verification and legal protocols.
It remains unclear if Gandhi will meet the deadline, which could set the stage for a formal inquiry into the alleged inconsistencies in Maharashtra’s electoral rolls.