Affidavit or apology, no investigation into allegations of vote theft: Election Commission's ultimatum to Rahul Gandhi

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has said that there is no investigation into the allegations of irregularities in the electoral roll raised by Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. "If there is evidence, Rahul should file an affidavit within seven days. If not, he should apologise to the country and the voters," Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said in a press conference.

"Not a single voter will be exempted without proper evidence. Should the Election Commission share CCTV footage of voters like mothers, siblings, daughters without their permission?" the EC replied without mentioning Rahul's name. This was the first time that the Election Commission officially responded to Rahul's allegations.

The Commission held a press conference on the same day that Rahul Gandhi launched his 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar, where the assembly elections are approaching. The Commission also refused to name the Mahadevapura Assembly constituency in Karnataka, where Rahul alleged with evidence that voting irregularities took place. Instead, the Commission raised accusations of political game.

"Don't try to scare people by making false allegations. Don't think that you can target voters by pointing a gun at the Commission's shoulder. Are you calling voters liars? The Commission cannot remain silent after hearing such allegations. It will stand firm like a rock behind the voters. Not having a house number is not a crime. Many poor people in the country have houses with 'zero' numbers. The authorities have not given them house numbers. It is the commission's responsibility to ensure that they also vote," the Commission said. However, the Commission remained silent on the large number of voters under the same house number. The Commission clarified that it will investigate the allegations only if the procedures are followed.

Where is the evidence?

“Non-residents of a constituency can file a complaint as witnesses if there is a complaint about the election or the electoral roll. They will have to give an affidavit for that. That is the law. It is the same for everyone. If there is evidence of double voting, hand it over,” the Commission said.

Investigation needed, not threats: Congress

The Congress responded that an investigation into the allegations is needed, not threats. “This is laughable, to put it very mildly, in the face of mountains of evidence to the contrary. CEC answered none of the pointed questions raised by Rahul Gandhi meaningfully. The ECI stands thoroughly exposed not only for its incompetence but also for its blatant partisanship,” said senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

“I am not scared of the Election Commission. EC asks me to submit an affidavit but when Anurag Thakur says the same thing that I have said, it does not ask for an affidavit from him? EC is helping BJP and is indulging in voter chori along with them."

-Rahul Gandhi

(Said in Bihar)