Is Political Tension Escalating After Maha CM's Response to Rahul Gandhi's 'Match-Fixing' Claims?

Mumbai, June 8 (NationPress) A significant political controversy has surfaced following allegations of "match-fixing" in the Maharashtra Assembly elections by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. This prompted a pointed reply from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who accused the Congress leader of misleading the populace after his recent electoral setback.

In an article published in a Marathi newspaper, Fadnavis refuted Gandhi's claims, asserting: "The one whom the public rejects, rejects the mandate."

The Chief Minister, a day after stating he would respond to Gandhi’s claims, remarked, "If you cannot convince the public, then confuse them -- this is Rahul Gandhi's strategy."

Gandhi wrote an op-ed in a national publication, questioning the integrity of the Maharashtra elections and alleging negligence by the Election Commission.

The Congress party and its allies criticized the Election Commission for its lack of transparency and raised concerns about unexplained increases in voter turnout.

Nana Patole, Congress's Maharashtra leader, claimed that 46 lakh additional votes were added to the voter tally and challenged the legitimacy of votes counted after 5 p.m.

"The Election Commission has denied access to CCTV footage and has failed to clarify its stance. They have contributed to undermining the democratic process," Patole stated, adding that the party has approached the Supreme Court for redress.

State Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal told IANS, "Why is CM Fadnavis responding when the questions are directed at the Election Commission? Rahul Gandhi has presented facts that warrant judicial examination."

Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe echoed similar sentiments, questioning the official response regarding the 67 lakh votes added post 5 p.m. He stated, "The official reply claimed 16 lakh. If such a large number of votes were cast after hours, who verified them and how?"

Londhe also raised concerns about alterations to the constitutional framework, particularly the exclusion of the Chief Justice from the Election Commission's selection panel, now replaced by the Union Home Minister.

"This diminishes the voice of the Leader of Opposition," he added.

NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule remarked that Gandhi's article was born from frustration over being ignored by the EC despite his repeated concerns.

Following Rahul Gandhi's article, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis also authored a detailed piece in a newspaper. In a healthy democracy, everyone should have the opportunity to voice their opinions. Sule noted that Gandhi's comments were in response to the lack of replies from the Election Commission to his numerous letters.

BJP MLA Ram Kadam defended the Election Commission and the state government, citing Fadnavis's comprehensive electoral data from 2009 to 2024, which showed consistent growth in vote share and voter registration.

"Rahul Gandhi's objections stem from a lack of information. If he possesses evidence, he should present it to the nation. But misleading the public after every loss is immature," Kadam stated.

JD-U leader K.C. Tyagi urged Gandhi to engage with the Election Commission directly.

"Instead of writing articles, he should meet with the EC along with his team to address his concerns," he advised.

In the elections held on November 20, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which includes Congress, the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP, and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, secured only 46 out of 288 seats. In contrast, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance dominated with 235 seats, with the BJP itself achieving a historic high of 132 seats in the state.