CEC Gyanesh Kumar demands apology from Rahul Gandhi over vote theft allegations

New Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday called on Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to either apologise for his recent allegations of vote manipulation, or submit a signed affidavit backing his recent allegations of vote manipulation.

“Sign affidavit or apologise, there is no third option. If [Rahul Gandhi] doesn’t submit affidavit within seven days then it would mean his allegations are wrong,” the CEC said in a strongly worded statement.

The controversy stems from Rahul Gandhi’s statements where he accused the Election Commission of facilitating "vote theft" in BJP-ruled states. Gandhi had also posted a video showing a conversation with Bihar residents who claimed they were listed as "dead" in official electoral records.

CEC responds to allegations of haste in voter list verification

The Chief Election Commissioner defended the Commission's recent Summary Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar, which critics including Rahul Gandhi have accused of being rushed and lacking transparency.

“It is a matter of grave concern that some parties and their leaders are spreading misinformation on SIR in Bihar. EC exhorts all political parties to file claims and objections on draft electoral rolls in Bihar… 15 days are still remaining.”

He added that the revision began on June 24 and was largely completed by July 20, covering over seven crore voters in Bihar.

Rahul Gandhi doubles down during yatra

Rahul Gandhi used his public rally in Sasaram, Bihar, to reinforce his claims and escalate his criticism.

“The entire country knows what the Election Commission is doing. Earlier, the country did not know how votes were being stolen. But we made it clear in the press conference how votes are being stolen. Whenever the theft is happening, whether in Bihar, Maharashtra, Assam, Bengal, we will catch the thief and work to show the people.”