ECI Denies Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations, Aaditya Thackeray Voices Support

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has once again made headlines by alleging large-scale voter manipulation during the last Haryana Assembly elections, claiming that the ruling BJP benefitted from systematic vote theft. Speaking at a press conference, Gandhi described the electoral process as “compromised” and warned that similar tactics could be employed in upcoming state polls. His remarks have reignited debates about the integrity of India’s election machinery, raising questions among voters, opposition parties, and political analysts alike.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has strongly countered Gandhi’s claims. A senior ECI official stated that the allegations are “completely unfounded” and highlighted that no appeals or objections were filed against the electoral rolls during the official revision period. The official questioned why Congress’ booth-level agents (BLAs) did not flag any discrepancies or raise formal complaints, arguing that such inaction undermines the allegations of deliberate voter suppression.

Booth-level agents, commonly referred to as BLAs, are appointed by political parties to closely monitor voting processes, check voter rolls, and report irregularities. According to the ECI source, the Congress party’s BLAs in Haryana did not file any objections or raise concerns regarding duplicate or missing names in the voter lists. The Commission emphasized that the procedures in place are designed to ensure transparency, and Gandhi’s claims were not supported by any documented evidence.

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While the ECI rejected the allegations, the political fallout intensified as Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray voiced strong support for Gandhi. Taking to social media, Thackeray argued that the issue goes beyond party politics, asserting that it concerns the fundamental value of every Indian’s vote. He claimed that the Election Commission had effectively “helped the BJP capture states through vote theft,” calling for greater scrutiny and accountability in the electoral process.

The controversy has escalated tensions ahead of upcoming elections, with political parties trading accusations and counterclaims. Gandhi maintains that voter manipulation remains a serious threat to democracy, while the ECI insists that all protocols were followed. Analysts note that the dispute highlights the delicate balance between political accountability and administrative oversight, emphasizing the need for transparent processes to maintain public trust in India’s electoral system.

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