NATIONAL: Rahul Gandhi Alleges BJP Rigged Maharashtra Polls
Accusations of Electoral Malpractice
On June 7, 2025, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance of orchestrating “match-fixing” in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. In a detailed post on X, he labeled the polls a “blueprint for rigging democracy,” warning of similar tactics in the upcoming Bihar elections.
Specific Allegations Outlined
Gandhi claimed the BJP manipulated the electoral process through biased Election Commission appointments, fake voter registrations, polling irregularities, and suppression of evidence. He argued these actions undermine democratic institutions and erode public trust in electoral outcomes.
BJP’s Robust Counterresponse
The BJP strongly refuted Gandhi’s claims, criticizing him for undermining national institutions despite repeated clarifications from the Election Commission of India (ECI). Union Health Minister JP Nadda accused Gandhi of fabricating narratives to discredit the electoral process.
Election Commission’s Rebuttal
The ECI dismissed Gandhi’s allegations as baseless, asserting that voter lists were transparent and Form 17C data immutable. The commission emphasized that no arbitrary additions or deletions occurred in Maharashtra’s voter rolls.
Maharashtra Election Results
The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections saw the BJP-led alliance, comprising Shiv Sena (Shinde) and NCP (Ajit Pawar), secure 235 of 288 seats, with the BJP alone winning 132. The opposition MVA coalition faced a significant defeat, prompting Gandhi’s allegations.
Bihar Elections in Focus
Gandhi warned that the alleged rigging tactics could be replicated in Bihar’s upcoming 2025 Assembly elections. He urged citizens to scrutinize evidence and demand accountability to safeguard democratic integrity.
Public and Political Reactions
Posts on X reflect polarized sentiments, with some supporting Gandhi’s call for transparency and others dismissing his claims as politically motivated. The controversy has reignited debates over electronic voting machine (EVM) reliability.
Implications for Electoral Trust
Gandhi’s allegations highlight concerns about public confidence in India’s electoral system. He described manipulated elections as “poison” to democracy, emphasizing the long-term damage to institutional credibility.
Call for Evidence-Based Discourse
Gandhi encouraged public scrutiny of electoral processes, advocating for transparency to prevent future irregularities. The ECI’s rebuttal underscores the need for evidence-based claims to maintain trust in democratic mechanisms.
Political Context and Future Outlook
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between Congress and the BJP, with Maharashtra’s results shaping narratives ahead of Bihar’s polls. The controversy may influence voter sentiment and political strategies in upcoming elections.