New Delhi, Aug 1 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has released a comprehensive counter to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s assertions of “vote chori” (vote theft). The electoral body deemed his remarks misleading, factually inaccurate, and intimidating.

In a thorough fact-check posted on its X account, the ECI shared data, timelines, and procedural evidence to refute the allegations made by the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha. The Commission reaffirmed its dedication to neutrality and institutional integrity.

The ECI highlighted the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka, where Gandhi suggested electoral wrongdoing. It stated that the final electoral rolls utilized during the elections were generated through a comprehensive and transparent process involving all recognized political parties, including the Indian National Congress (INC).

More than 31 District Election Officers (DEOs), 419 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs/AEROs), and 58,834 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were involved in the process, along with Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from all political parties. The final electoral rolls were compiled only after consulting all stakeholders. The ECI emphasized that no appeals were lodged against the final list by any party, including the Congress.

Furthermore, the Commission mentioned that the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Karnataka had publicly shared details regarding the revision schedule and consultations conducted with Congress and other parties. A link to the official post was also made available for public review.

The Commission underscored the enormous administrative effort that went into organizing the 2024 general elections, which concluded over a year ago. This involved: 282,648 polling officers and support staff, 28 Returning Officers (ROs) and 259 Assistant ROs, 113 Observers, and 4,230 Counting Supervisors, along with an equal number of Counting Assistants.

The ECI stated that these individuals executed their constitutional responsibilities with dedication and integrity, ensuring that the electoral process was carried out smoothly and lawfully across the nation.

Despite 10 election petitions being filed to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha results, not a single petition was submitted by a losing INC candidate. This is significant, given that under Section 80 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every candidate has the legal right to challenge election results in court.

The Commission questioned why, if the Congress had “open and shut” evidence of misconduct - as claimed by Rahul Gandhi - it chose not to utilize established legal avenues within the designated timeframe. The lack of formal petitions, the Commission noted, contradicts the serious nature of the public allegations being made currently.

In a strongly worded statement, the Election Commission condemned the ongoing baseless accusations, repetitive use of terms like “vote theft,” and veiled threats directed at election officials as highly irresponsible and unacceptable.

"To disregard available legal remedies at the appropriate time, while making explosive claims to the media months post-elections, is incredibly unfortunate and unacceptable," the ECI remarked.

It reiterated that all stakeholders had equal opportunities to raise objections during the electoral roll preparation and after the results were declared. Choosing not to pursue this, and then making public accusations, the Commission argued, undermines democratic institutions and demoralizes election officials who act impartially.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated on Friday that his party possesses “open and shut” evidence of alleged electoral irregularities involving the Election Commission.

Dramatically likening the evidence to an “atom bomb,” he asserted that once it is disclosed, the poll panel “will have no place to hide.”

This statement arose amid persistent allegations that the Commission colluded to manipulate the 2024 Lok Sabha election results.