'Sign and submit': Karnataka CEO asks Rahul Gandhi to provide evidence for fraud claims

Bengaluru: In a major development concerning election fraud allegations, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Karnataka has requested Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to submit a signed declaration on the matter. This action follows a meeting between Indian National Congress (INC) leaders and the CEO, along with a press conference held by Rahul Gandhi in Delhi addressing the alleged election fraud.

In a letter sent to Rahul Gandhi, the CEO emphasised that any challenge to the conduct of elections or results must occur via an Election Petition before the High Court. The CEO cited Rahul Gandhi’s statements at the August 7 press conference regarding the alleged inclusion of ineligible voters and exclusion of eligible voters in the Electoral Rolls.

The CEO’s letter asks Rahul Gandhi to sign and submit a declaration or oath under Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, including the names of concerned electors to enable necessary procedures. The provided declaration format requires Rahul Gandhi to affirm, under oath, that the information he provides regarding proposed inclusions or exclusions in the electoral rolls is true to his knowledge. It warns that false declarations are punishable under Section 31 of the RP Act, 1950, and giving false evidence attracts punishment under Section 227 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The declaration further requires Rahul Gandhi to confirm that he is not an elector of the constituency in question and attests that his statement stems from personal knowledge and is made voluntarily.

"You are kindly requested to sign and submit the declaration/oath under Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, along with the name(s) of such electors so that necessary proceedings can be initiated," the CEO stated.

The CEO also confirmed that time has been allotted between 1 pm and 3 pm on August 8 for the INC delegation to submit their memorandum. The CEO reiterated that the electoral rolls are prepared transparently according to the Representation of the People’s Act, 1950, the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and the Election Commission of India guidelines. The CEO noted that the latest draft and final electoral rolls for 2025 had already been shared with INC representatives, and no appeals had been filed by the INC following the publication of the final rolls.

Rahul Gandhi, during his press conference in Delhi on Thursday, outlined how the alleged election fraud took place in the Mahadevapura Assembly seat in Bengaluru during the Lok Sabha election.

With inputs from IANS