New Delhi, Aug 1 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has categorically dismissed the claims made by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, who accused the electoral body of being involved in purported "vote chori (vote theft)" to benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Describing these allegations as "baseless", the ECI reaffirmed its dedication to organizing elections in a fair, impartial, and transparent manner.

“The Election Commission routinely disregards such groundless accusations that arise daily and, despite facing persistent threats, advises all election officials—who are committed to performing their duties impartially and transparently—to ignore these irresponsible remarks,” said sources from the ECI.

The ECI also expressed its backing for polling personnel nationwide, encouraging them to concentrate on their responsibilities and not be influenced by what it termed “politically motivated and irresponsible comments.”

During a press interaction at the Parliament complex, Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Congress party has "conclusive evidence" of electoral misconduct, labeling this proof as an "atom bomb" that would leave the Election Commission with "no escape" once disclosed.

“I have stated that ‘vote chori’ is occurring, and now we possess absolute proof that the Election Commission is implicated,” Gandhi stated, reiterating suspicions of irregularities that began with the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections and could extend to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and voter revisions in Maharashtra.

This is not the first occasion on which Rahul Gandhi has questioned the operations of the Election Commission. In June, following an article he penned that alleged extensive rigging in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, ECI sources clarified that the constitutional body would only provide an official response if Gandhi, in his capacity as Leader of Opposition, submitted a formal written request.

In his article, Gandhi claimed there was "match-fixing" in the Maharashtra elections and hinted that similar manipulations might take place in upcoming elections, particularly in areas where the BJP is perceived to be losing. He also requested access to CCTV footage from polling stations in Maharashtra during the last hours of voting, citing inconsistencies in the electoral process.

In response to this request, ECI sources highlighted that, according to current regulations, CCTV footage from polling stations can be reviewed—if necessary—by the relevant high court in the case of an election petition. The Commission reiterated that all mechanisms for addressing grievances are legally and institutionally defined, and any such issues should be pursued through appropriate legal channels.