EC Hits Back at Congress: Chief Election Commissioner calls Rahul Gandhi's allegations of "vote chori" baseless and a disrespect to the Constitution

NEW DELHI, India – In a rare and strongly-worded rebuttal, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) today hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's allegations of "vote chori" (vote theft), calling them "baseless, irresponsible, and a direct disrespect to the very Constitution of India." The CEC's remarks, made during a specially convened press conference, mark a significant escalation in the political conflict surrounding the integrity of the electoral process.

Responding to Gandhi’s claims that the Election Commission was actively deleting names from electoral rolls, the CEC stated that the allegations were not only factually incorrect but also undermined the decades of hard work and transparency that the commission has built.

A Defense of the Democratic Process

"The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body that has consistently ensured free and fair elections, and our process is fully transparent," the CEC said. "Making such serious accusations of 'vote chori' without any evidence is not only an insult to the thousands of election officials on the ground but a grave disrespect to the Constitution that governs us all."

The CEC explained that the process of electoral roll revision is a multi-step, transparent mechanism that involves publishing draft rolls for public feedback, conducting door-to-door verification, and holding special camps for new registrations. He emphasized that the process is open to all political parties, who are provided with copies of the electoral rolls and can raise objections at any stage.

Political Fallout Intensifies

The CEC’s forceful rebuttal has added a new dimension to the ongoing political standoff. The ruling party was quick to support the Election Commission, calling Rahul Gandhi's accusations a desperate attempt to discredit a trusted institution. A senior Union Minister said that the Congress leader's "irresponsible statements" were a sign of the opposition's frustration and disrespect for democratic institutions.

The Congress, however, has doubled down on its claims, stating that the CEC's emotional response does not negate the core issue of a flawed electoral roll revision process. As the debate moves from the legislative to the constitutional realm, the integrity of India’s electoral process has become a central point of conflict, setting the stage for a tense political atmosphere ahead of future elections.