ECI Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks, Question His Reluctance to Write Officially
Say Congress leader attacking his own party’s agents, avoiding formal communication despite serious charges
New Delhi, June 7 – The Election Commission of India (ECI), through its sources, has issued a fresh and strongly-worded response to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who had criticised the Commission for issuing an “unsigned and evasive” rebuttal to his “match-fixing” allegations in the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
The ECI sources said Gandhi is now resorting to public statements instead of using proper constitutional channels to lodge complaints. “It is very intriguing that Shri Rahul Gandhi says the issues being raised are serious, yet he has neither written to the Commission nor sought a meeting even after 24 hours,” said an ECI source, adding that the Commission responds formally only when approached officially in writing.
Countering Gandhi’s criticism of the voting process and voter rolls, the ECI noted that he has effectively questioned the integrity of his own party’s Booth Level Agents (BLAs), polling agents, and counting representatives, who were formally appointed across Maharashtra. “By doing so, Shri Gandhi is also indirectly attacking the very agents who represented the Indian National Congress (INC) during the entire electoral process,” the source said.
The Commission further stated that the massive election machinery—including 10.5 lakh Booth Level Officers, 50 lakh polling staff, and 1 lakh counting supervisors—feels demoralised by Gandhi’s unsubstantiated remarks. “These baseless allegations question the integrity and hard work of lakhs of officials who conducted the elections fairly,” the source said.
Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s demand for access to CCTV footage from polling stations, the Commission clarified that such footage can only be reviewed by competent High Courts as part of election petitions. “This safeguard exists to protect the privacy of voters, which is a legal obligation under electoral laws,” the source added, questioning whether Gandhi intends to undermine the authority of the judiciary by demanding access outside the legal process.
The ECI also referred to its earlier detailed rebuttal dated 22 April 2025, asserting that all facts had already been communicated clearly to the Congress party and the public. “Shri Gandhi seems to have been taken aback by the factual rebuttal. Now, instead of responding through official channels, he is relying on tweets and media statements,” the source said.
In a further remark, the ECI sources pointed out that while Gandhi had initially raised the issue personally on social media, he is now “seeking cover” through the official INC handle and senior party leaders. “This shift reflects a response to the public backlash that followed his earlier statements,” the source claimed.
The Commission also disclosed that the INC was invited to a formal meeting with the Commission on May 15, 2025, but the party requested a postponement, raising further questions about its intent to engage with the issue substantively.
As the political standoff continues, the ECI has maintained that it is open to formal communication and legal processes but will not respond to “rhetoric and misinformation” disseminated through unofficial platforms.