ECI Firmly Rejects Rahul Gandhi's 'Online Vote Deletion' Claims, Upholding Electoral Integrity

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has unequivocally refuted the serious allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi concerning the alleged online deletion of votes without the knowledge of citizens. Gandhi, citing a media report, claimed that a staggering 80 lakh (8 million) votes were removed from the electoral rolls in Madhya Pradesh and 30 lakh (3 million) in Assam, raising significant questions about the fairness and transparency of the nation's democratic process.

In a strong and direct rebuttal, the ECI clarified that there is no provision or mechanism for the online deletion of a voter's name from the electoral roll.

The commission underscored the stringent, multi-stage process that must be adhered to for any removal, emphasizing the robust safeguards in place to protect the integrity of the voter list.

According to the ECI, the process for deleting a voter's name is far from a simple online click. It mandates the involvement of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who are required to conduct personal verifications.

A crucial step involves serving notices to the concerned individuals, providing them with an opportunity to respond before any action is taken. This meticulous approach ensures that deletions are not arbitrary or unnoticed by the affected citizens.

The ECI further elaborated that deletions from the electoral roll predominantly occur due to two primary reasons: the demise of a voter or a change in their residential address.

In both scenarios, the process is designed to be transparent and public, allowing for objections from other citizens or political parties before a final decision is made. This public scrutiny adds another layer of accountability to the system.

Rahul Gandhi's allegations had painted a grim picture, suggesting a potential manipulation of the voter database that could undermine faith in the electoral system.

His comments, delivered during a public address, highlighted concerns that such deletions could unfairly disadvantage certain sections of the electorate and distort election outcomes.

Responding to these concerns, the ECI reiterated its commitment to maintaining an accurate and error-free electoral roll, free from any form of manipulation.

The commission urged citizens to actively participate in the ongoing special summary revision of electoral rolls, which provides an opportunity for new registrations, corrections, and ensuring that their names are correctly listed. They also encouraged voters to regularly check their names on the official voter list.

This decisive response from the ECI aims to dispel misinformation and reinforce public trust in the Indian electoral system, reassuring citizens that their voting rights are protected by a comprehensive and transparent process designed to prevent any unauthorized deletions.