The Election Commission of India (ECI) has countered Rahul Gandhi’s accusations of “vote theft,” warning that unsubstantiated allegations cannot be left unchecked. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, addressing a press conference in New Delhi, invoked Rule 20 of the Registration of Electors Rules to underline that complaints by non-voters of a constituency must be submitted under oath.
“If you are not a voter of that constituency, you can only lodge a complaint as a witness, and you are required to give an oath to the electoral registration officer,” Kumar said.
In a sharp message to Gandhi, the CEC declared: “Give an affidavit or apologise to the nation. There is no third option. If an affidavit is not given within seven days, this means that all allegations are baseless.”
#WATCH | Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar says, “…If you are not an voter of that constituency, then you have only one option in the law and that is The Registration Of Electors Rules, rule number 20, sub-clause (3), sub-clause (b) which says that if you are not… pic.twitter.com/gRpmjM9dO6
— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2025
The Commission said it was ready to examine any evidence but insisted that the Congress leader must follow due process under the law.
Rahul Gandhi, however, had earlier rejected the poll body’s demand, arguing that he had already taken an oath on the Constitution as a Member of Parliament. “The ECI asks me to file an affidavit. I have taken an oath inside Parliament holding the Constitution,” he had said.
Gandhi alleged that the ECI colluded with the BJP to “steal” the Lok Sabha elections and is now attempting to manipulate the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls through voter list additions and deletions under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
The controversy intensified as the ECI began the SIR exercise in Bihar, citing the need to update and correct electoral rolls. The Opposition, however, accused the poll body of selectively excluding voters to benefit the ruling BJP.
Earlier today, Gandhi launched his 1,300-km Voter Adhikar Yatra from Sasaram, where he accused the government of orchestrating a “conspiracy” to steal elections. “The poor only have the power of the vote, and we will not let them steal it,” he told supporters.
Following the ECI’s press conference, Congress leader Pawan Khera hit back, accusing the Chief Election Commissioner of “acting like an agent of the BJP.”
The heated exchanges come at a crucial time as Bihar gears up for Assembly elections, with voter list revisions becoming the latest flashpoint between the ECI and the Opposition.
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