Election Commission Slams Rahul Gandhi's 'Baseless' Allegations, Upholds Electoral Integrity

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has vehemently rejected a series of serious allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, labeling his claims of electoral manipulation as "incorrect, baseless, and absurd." In a sharp response, the ECI called for restraint and responsible public discourse, emphasizing the robust and transparent nature of India's electoral process.

Gandhi had ignited a political firestorm by suggesting that central agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) were being used to pressure officials and orchestrate a predetermined outcome in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

He specifically pointed to a statement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, where Shah expressed confidence in the NDA securing 400 seats, interpreting it as evidence of a pre-planned "setting" or manipulation.

The Congress leader further cast doubts on the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), implying that they could be tampered with to favour certain parties.

These accusations, coming amid the crucial phases of the general elections, were met with an immediate and forceful rebuttal from the ECI.

In its detailed statement, the ECI categorically denied any involvement of central agencies in the electoral process, asserting that such claims undermine the credibility of independent institutions.

"The results are decided by the voters, not by some ‘setting’ or by Central Agencies," the Commission stated, directly addressing Gandhi's insinuation of a manipulated outcome.

Regarding the integrity of EVMs, the ECI reiterated its long-standing position on their tamper-proof nature. It highlighted the stringent administrative and security protocols surrounding the use of EVM-VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) systems.

The Commission underscored that the entire process, from manufacturing to storage, deployment, and vote counting, is subject to multi-level checks, transparency, and the involvement of political party representatives at every stage.

The ECI also warned against making unsubstantiated allegations that erode public trust in the democratic framework.

It stressed the importance of political leaders maintaining a high standard of public discourse and refraining from spreading misinformation. The Commission reminded that legal provisions exist to address serious allegations of electoral malpractice, implying that baseless charges could have consequences.

This latest exchange underscores the heightened political tensions surrounding the general elections, with the ECI firmly defending the sanctity and fairness of the electoral process against what it perceives as unfounded attacks on its credibility and that of India's democratic institutions.