Rahul Gandhi Accuses ECI Of Enabling Voter Deletions; Cites Karnataka As Key Example

In a strongly worded address titled ‘Democracy Can’t Be Deleted’, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a fresh attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing it of allowing the illegal deletion of voters from Congress-dominated booths in Karnataka.

He alleged that a ‘centralised system’ enabled fake logins and software-based voter removals, particularly targeting Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and marginalised groups.

Rahul Gandhi made these remarks during a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday, marking his second public charge in recent months against the electoral process.

Despite the severity of his claims, he declined to confirm whether Congress would pursue legal action.

Referring to Karnataka’s Aland Assembly constituency, Rahul Gandhi revealed that authorities had deleted 6,018 voters from the rolls through suspicious methods.

He explained that the issue came to light when a Booth Level Officer (BLO) noticed her own relative’s name missing from the list.

He claimed that operators used call centres, fake phone numbers, and software systems to execute the deletions.

Gandhi also alleged that election officials applied a similar model for voter additions in Maharashtra’s Rajoura constituency, indicating that such manipulation could be occurring nationwide.

EC Under Fire for Alleged Inaction

Gandhi directed serious accusations at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, stating that the CEC is ‘protecting vote chors’ by not providing crucial data requested by the Karnataka CID during their investigation.

He demanded that the ECI release full details of the phone numbers, OTPs, and IP addresses associated with the deletions within a week.

He stated, “CEC Gyanesh Kumar must stop protecting people who are destroying and attacking the Constitution.”

Gandhi further explained that Karnataka’s Election Commission had written at least 18 letters regarding the deletions.

Investigations began in February 2023, and in March, the Karnataka CID formally requested call data records and OTP logs. However, when the data arrived in August, it was incomplete and inadequate.

No Clarity on Legal Action

When asked whether Congress would approach the courts or file a formal complaint with the Election Commission, Rahul Gandhi evaded the question, only reiterating his commitment to democracy and constitutional values.

When questioned about his previous reference to a ‘Hydrogen bomb’ of revelations that would expose electoral fraud, Gandhi said the preparation is underway.

He promised to release the full extent of the evidence once his team finalises the investigation.

With these allegations, Rahul Gandhi has once again raised concerns about the integrity of India’s electoral process, but the absence of a clear legal strategy leaves questions about the path forward.

Also Read: India Reaffirms Support For Nepal’s Interim PM Sushila Karki; PM Modi Says ‘Steadfast Backing For Peace And Stability’