The Election Commission of India (ECI) on August 13, 2025, clarified that allegations of “vote theft” raised by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi have no legal basis. The Commission underlined that voter names on final electoral rolls are protected by law, and any change, whether a correction, deletion, or addition—must follow due legal procedure.
“Electoral rolls are prepared in accordance with law. Any correction, deletion or inclusion in Electoral Roll can always be made as per procedure laid down in law. No one can force to remove YOUR NAME from final Electoral Rolls without following the procedure laid down in law,” the ECI posted on X (formerly Twitter).
❌These Claims are False and Misleading
✅Read in detail in image attached 👇 https://t.co/kV6rv9NpNg pic.twitter.com/AqYE9QBx5B
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) August 13, 2025
The poll body explained that while Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) can suo moto inquire into certain cases, they cannot issue bulk notices based on allegations in media or social platforms without substantive evidence. “Issuing thousands of notices based merely on allegations made on Print, TV or social media could lead to harassment of eligible electors without any material evidence,” the Commission said.
According to the ECI, any person alleging wrongful inclusion of a voter’s name must submit a formal application to the ERO and take an oath as per Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. The law requires that evidence submitted for removal of names be signed and sworn under oath, ensuring that only legitimate claims are entertained.
“This Rule protects eligible electors from any person(s) outside their Assembly Constituency who may intend to tamper with their vote,” the EC clarified. The statement underscores the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding the principle of one person, one vote.
The clarification comes after Rahul Gandhi doubled down on his claims of “vote chori” during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Congress MP had demanded that the ECI release digital voter rolls for public audit, describing the fight as part of a broader effort to protect democracy.
“Vote Chori is an attack on the foundational idea of ‘one man, one vote’. A clean voter roll is imperative for free and fair elections. Our demand from the EC is clear – be transparent and release digital voter rolls so that people and parties can audit them. This fight is to protect our democracy,” Rahul Gandhi had tweeted.
