Did Karnataka EC Dismiss Rahul Gandhi’s Claims of Election Fraud?

Bengaluru, July 24 (NationPress) The Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka has dismissed the allegations made by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, regarding electoral fraud. He emphasized that the preparation of electoral rolls is conducted in a transparent manner and that copies have been distributed to all recognized political parties.

“As previously stated by the Election Commission of India, electoral rolls are provided to all acknowledged political parties. During the Special Summary Revision-2024, conducted prior to the General Elections for the Lok Sabha-2024, draft and final electoral rolls for all 224 assembly constituencies were made available to representatives from all registered political parties, including the Indian National Congress (INC),” stated V. Anbukumar, the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka.

Anbukumar noted that approximately 9.17 lakh claims and objections were submitted for consideration between the draft and final publication of the rolls.

He also remarked that no appeals were filed during this period, despite the fact that political parties have the right to appeal against any incorrect additions or deletions in the electoral rolls. “According to the law, appeals can be made against erroneous entries in the electoral rolls. No appeals were received,” Anbukumar stated.

In the meantime, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar indicated that he has undertaken an inquiry in the Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha constituency, where multiple irregularities have been reported.

“I will address this matter in detail at a later time,” the Deputy Chief Minister asserted.

Previously, Rahul Gandhi had claimed that the Election Commission is not performing its duties effectively. “Today, they (ECI) issued a statement. This is complete nonsense. The reality is that the Election Commission is failing in its responsibilities. We have solid, concrete evidence showing that the Election Commission has permitted cheating in a constituency in Karnataka,” he stated.

“This is indisputable proof. We examined just one constituency and uncovered this. I am thoroughly convinced that this is happening across multiple constituencies. We have identified thousands of new voters aged 50, 45, 60, and 65 years. We are aware of what is occurring. I want to convey a message to the Election Commission: if you believe you can evade this, you are mistaken. We are coming for you,” Gandhi emphasized.

The ECI clarified that concerning the elections in Karnataka, it is regrettable that instead of filing an election petition as per section 80 of the Representation of People Act 1951, or if already filed, waiting for a verdict from the Hon’ble High Court, Rahul Gandhi has made unfounded allegations and threatened the ECI, which is a Constitutional body.