Election Commission Challenges Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Fraud Allegations
A heated political standoff has emerged between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, over allegations of voter fraud in Bengaluru Central. On August 10, 2025, the ECI publicly rejected Gandhi’s claims as “false and misleading” via its official X account, demanding he either provide sworn evidence or issue a public apology.
Gandhi raised serious concerns about electoral irregularities in the Mahadevapura area, citing cases of 80 voters registered at a single small residence, along with issues like duplicate entries, fake addresses, and bulk voter registrations. He called for the release of digital voter rolls for public scrutiny. Gandhi presented data highlighting the unusually high number of voters registered at one property, which an India Today investigation on August 8, 2025, confirmed was occupied by a food delivery worker with no connection to the registered voters. The property owner suggested former tenants might still be listed, complicating the matter.
The ECI cited the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, urging Gandhi to sign a declaration if he stands by his allegations, implying a refusal could undermine his credibility. This exchange has ignited debate online about electoral transparency, with some questioning the ECI’s management of voter lists and others pressing Gandhi for concrete proof.
This dispute sheds light on broader concerns regarding election integrity amid global scrutiny—such as the 2024 arrest of Bangladesh’s former election commissioner for alleged poll manipulation—though no direct links to India have been suggested.
As the controversy unfolds, both the ECI and Rahul Gandhi remain under close watch, with the accuracy of voter lists and voter trust in the electoral process hanging in the balance. Further updates will follow as the story develops.
Note: This article was written on August 11, 2025, at 1 AM +05:30, and reflects information available up to that time.
