New Delhi: Congress Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term in 2024 was made possible through the rigging of at least 10–15 Lok Sabha seats. He claimed the Election Commission of India (ECI) was “obliterated and taken over,” and accused it of becoming an instrument of electoral manipulation.
Speaking at a Congress meeting on Friday, Gandhi described the 2024 general elections as “match‑fixed,” insisting that India’s electoral system is “dead” under the current regime. He alleged the ruling BJP implemented a five‑step ‘blueprint’ to influence the outcome:
- Capture of EC appointment panel — ensuring bias in election oversight.
- Addition of fake voters — inserting names into electoral rolls in targeted constituencies.
- Artificially inflated voter turnout — manipulating participation figures.
- Bogus voting in key seats — coordinated fraudulent voting in crucial margins.
- Suppression of evidence — preventing independent scrutiny of results.
EC’s Response
The Election Commission issued a strongly worded five‑point rebuttal, calling Gandhi’s accusations “wild” and “baseless.” It accused him of refusing to formally engage with the Commission despite public invitations to submit evidence.
EC officials challenged Gandhi to:
- File a formal complaint
- Provide documented proof
- Initiate election petitions under the Representation of the People Act
The EC also instructed state election officers to ignore “politically motivated” allegations and continue working “impartially and transparently.”
Political Reactions
- BJP leaders, including former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, dismissed the claims as an attempt to delegitimise Modi’s mandate.
- Maharashtra Congress demanded a formal inquiry, alleging unexplained spikes in voter rolls in key seats.
- Analysts note the allegations could sharpen political tensions ahead of assembly elections in Bihar and other states.
