New Delhi, August 11, 2025 – The Election Commission of India (ECI) has once again pushed back against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of large-scale voter fraud, this time in connection with a claim about double voting in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura constituency.
The Claim
On August 7, Rahul Gandhi alleged that a 70-year-old woman, Shakun Rani, had registered as a first-time voter twice using Form 6 and cast her vote twice during the recent elections. He presented what he described as an official polling document marked with ticks, claiming it was proof of “vote chori” (vote theft)
Gandhi’s remarks were part of his broader campaign accusing the Election Commission of failing to maintain clean and transparent electoral rolls
EC’s Investigation and Response
The Election Commission has firmly denied the allegation, stating that its inquiry found:
Shakun Rani voted only once
The paper shown by Gandhi was not issued by any polling official.
Calling the allegations “false and misleading,” the EC emphasized that any charges of voter fraud must be backed by verifiable evidence
Notice to Rahul Gandhi
The Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer has sent a formal notice to Rahul Gandhi, requesting that he submi
Supporting documents for his double-voting claim, or
signed declaration under Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, affirming the accuracy of his statement
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Political Back-and-Forth
While the EC is pressing for documentary proof, Rahul Gandhi has maintained his stance, arguing that his public statements should be treated as binding. Congress leaders, including Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, have criticized the EC’s demand for an affidavit, calling it “utterly absurd
On the other hand, BJP leaders have accused Gandhi of spreading misinformation and undermining the credibility of India’s electoral process
The “Vote Chori” Campaign
Rahul Gandhi has, for months, been running a “Vote Chori” campaign alleging manipulation of voter rolls, particularly in urban and semi-urban constituencies. The EC has repeatedly fact-checked these claims, but the political spat continues to escalate ahead of upcoming state elections
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