Bengaluru / New Delhi, August 2025 –
At the ‘Vote Adhikar Rally’ in Bengaluru, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi rejected the Election Commission’s demand to sign an affidavit backing his “vote theft” claims. He insisted he has already taken the oath of the Constitution inside Parliament.
The Election Commission has repeatedly labeled his allegations “false” and “absurd,” urging Gandhi to either formalize them through a signed declaration or apologize publicly.
Karnataka’s Chief Electoral Officer has formally asked Rahul Gandhi to submit documentary evidence supporting his claims of voter fraud—specifically, wrongfully added or removed names from voter rolls—and demanded the names of affected electors.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot called the EC’s affidavit demand “utterly absurd,” pointing out that prominent leaders have made serious allegations without witnessing such pushback. Kerala MP Shashi Tharoor also defended Gandhi’s stance, urging the EC to respond to the concerns, not focus on procedural formalities.
Why This Matters
- Constitution at the Center: Gandhi emphasizes he has already sworn loyalty to the Constitution, making further affidavits unnecessary.
- Trust in Democracy Under Strain: The refusal signals rising mistrust in the electoral process.
- Political vs Procedural Debate: Opposition leaders demand substance; the EC demands formal proof.