Elections “Stolen,” Alleges Rahul Gandhi; Election Commission Demands Proof Under Oath

• Aug 8, 2025

New Delhi – August 8, 2025 — Renewing his sharp critique of the electoral framework, Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified accusations against the Election Commission of India (ECI), claiming the constitutional body enabled large-scale “vote theft” in favor of the BJP.

Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations

• “Open-and-shut proof” of vote theft: Rahul Gandhi asserted that his party has uncovered definitive evidence of electoral wrongdoing by the ECI. He described this “evidence” as akin to an “atom bomb” and emphasized his confidence, stating the allegations are made with "100 % proof."NewKerala.comABP LiveThe WeekBusiness Standard

• “Elections are being stolen in India”: The Leader of Opposition said the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across states like Karnataka and Bihar is symptomatic of vote manipulation underway.Scroll.inOutlook IndiaThe Economic Times

• Demand for data transparency: At Bengaluru’s “Vote Adhikaar Rally,” he urged the Election Commission to release ten years of electronic voter lists and video archives, warning that withholding such data appears complicit in the fraud.@mathrubhumi

• Facing electoral irregularities: Rahul Gandhi raised concerns about missing voters, erased CCTV footage, and inconsistent voter list data, calling upon the ECI to clarify whether it is now operating as an “agent of the BJP.”The Times of IndiaThe Economic Times

Election Commission’s Strong Rebuttal

• Allegations deemed baseless and irresponsible: The ECI sharply rejected the claims, calling them "wild," "irresponsible," and "deplorable." It instructed officials to ignore such daily provocation and carry out their duties impartially.ABP LiveThe Times of IndiaNewKerala.comThe Week

• Demand for sworn evidence: In response to Gandhi’s serious allegations, the ECI—specifically the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka—has formally asked him to submit a signed declaration under oath. The declaration must detail specific data: names, part numbers, and serial numbers of voters he alleges are fraudulent. It also comes with legal penalties—including up to seven years in prison and fines—under Section 227 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita 2023 for any false statement.The Times of India

• Gandhi’s refusal: Rahul Gandhi has declined the request, stating that as a Member of Parliament, he has already sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution and does not require additional affidavits.The Hans India

Political Fallout and Reactions

• Congress rallying for investigation: Senior Congress figures like Punjab’s Pargat Singh have echoed Gandhi’s sentiment, urging an impartial investigation to restore public trust.The Times of India

• BJP and allies dismiss claims: The BJP termed the allegations "bogus and fake," accusing Rahul Gandhi of undermining constitutional institutions. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier mocked the claims, ridiculing Gandhi’s statements as products of a “corrupted hard disk.”The Economic TimesThe Times of India

Bottom line: Rahul Gandhi continues to press the ECI with forceful allegations of electoral fraud and has vowed to reveal the purported evidence soon. The Election Commission, in turn, has demanded formal submission of evidence under oath—a step Gandhi has refused—escalating the political and constitutional tension to an unprecedented level.