Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged large-scale voter fraud in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura constituency during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, accusing the Election Commission of collusion with the BJP. He claimed over 1,00,000 votes were “stolen” and said the poll body is now aiding in dismantling democracy rather than protecting it.
Massive Discrepancies in Voter Rolls
Rahul Gandhi stated that internal polling had predicted 16 seats for Congress in Karnataka, but the party secured only nine. Focusing on Bangalore Central Lok Sabha seat, he claimed the BJP won primarily due to manipulation in Mahadevapura Assembly segment, where they allegedly secured over 1 lakh fake or duplicate votes. He listed various irregularities, such as multiple entries for the same voter, non-existent addresses, and misuse of voter registration forms.
Election Commission Challenges Gandhi for Oath
The Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer responded by asking Rahul Gandhi to submit a formal declaration under electoral law to back his claims. The Election Commission warned of legal consequences under Section 31 of the RP Act if any false declaration is made. Sources urged Gandhi to either take the oath affirming his claims or withdraw the “fabricated evidence.”
BJP and Ministers Hit Back
BJP leaders including Ravi Shankar Prasad, Kiren Rijiju, and Dharmendra Pradhan sharply criticized Gandhi. They accused him of defaming constitutional institutions and displaying frustration over electoral losses. Rijiju said Congress resorts to attacking institutions when outcomes don’t favor them, while Pradhan described Gandhi’s remarks as part of a larger conspiracy to discredit Indian democracy.
Ongoing Tensions Around EC and Judiciary
Gandhi also alleged that the Supreme Court was being undermined, referencing recent Congress comments on judicial conduct. BJP leaders linked this to a broader pattern of institutional attacks. Meanwhile, the EC stated that Gandhi’s claims coincided with their Special Intensive Revision exercise in Bihar and that his comments indirectly supported their efforts to cleanse the electoral roll.
