Despite Election Commission's Clarification, Rahul Gandhi Alleges "Vote Theft" In Maharashtra Polls, Fadnavis Hits Back

Days after the Election Commission's response asserting no rigging, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (24 June) demanded machine-readable digital voter rolls and CCTV footage, alleging "vote theft" and irregularities in the Maharashtra assembly polls, reported The New Indian Express.

Gandhi claimed that the voter list in BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis's Nagpur South West constituency grew by 8 per cent in just five months. He stated, "In Maharashtra CM's own constituency, the voter list grew by 8 per cent in just 5 months. Some booths saw a 20-50 per cent surge. BLOs reported unknown individuals casting votes."

He added, "Media uncovered thousands of voters with no verified address. And the EC? Silent -- or complicit. These aren't isolated glitches. This is vote theft. The cover-up is the confession," and concluded, "That's why we demand the immediate release of machine-readable digital voter rolls and CCTV footage."

Devendra Fadnavis responded by advising Gandhi to consult his own party's elected MLAs. He mocked Gandhi's claims, stating, "Jhooth bole kauwa kaate, kaale kauwe se dariyo'... Rahul Gandhi, I understand the sting of your humiliating defeat in Maharashtra is intensifying by the day. But how long will you keep shooting arrows blindly?"

Fadnavis pointed out that over 25 constituencies saw more than an 8 per cent increase in voter numbers, with Congress or its allies winning many of them. He cited examples like West Nagpur, North Nagpur, Vadgaon Sheri, Malad West, and Mumbra, where Congress or NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) candidates won despite significant voter list increases.

The Election Commission previously wrote to Gandhi on 12 June regarding his allegations of rigging in the 2024 Maharashtra polls, asserting that they conducted elections strictly in accordance with laws and rules. The EC also offered to meet him in person to discuss his concerns.