The Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has formally asked Congress leader and Lok Sabha Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi to submit documentary proof for his allegations of voter fraud in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
CEO Demands Evidence on ‘Double Voting’ Allegation
In an August 10 notice, CEO V. Anbukumar directly confronted Gandhi over his claim that Shakun Rani, a 70-year-old voter, had voted twice based on Election Commission of India (ECI) data. The CEO’s preliminary inquiry found that Rani had cast her vote only once. The notice asked Gandhi to share the documents on which he based his claim so a detailed investigation could begin.
The CEO also stated that the “tick-marked document” Gandhi presented was not issued by a polling officer.
Earlier Notice and Affidavit Request
This escalation follows an August 7 notice in which the CEO directed Gandhi to sign an affidavit detailing his allegations of large-scale voter list manipulation in Karnataka. Gandhi had made these charges during a press conference in New Delhi, accusing the ECI of “choreographing” elections to help the BJP.
Gandhi Accuses ECI of Nationwide Fraud
Gandhi alleged that in Mahadevapura constituency alone, officials had “stolen” 100,250 votes through duplicate entries, fake addresses, and bulk registrations at single locations. “They haven’t denied the information… You know that we know you have done this across the country,” Gandhi said.
He launched the website votechori.in to rally public support and demanded the release of digital voter rolls for public auditing.
Also Read: Election Commission Fact-Checks Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Fraud Allegation
State Congress Leadership Backs Gandhi
Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar joined Gandhi at the ‘Vote Adhikar Rally’ in Bengaluru on August 8. He alleged that vote theft extended beyond Mahadevapura to multiple constituencies. Shivakumar also lodged a complaint with the CEO and was asked to submit proof under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the state’s law department would examine the allegations and advise legal action. He accused the BJP of “lying” and questioned how “80 people could live in one small room,” as per some voter list records.
BJP Counters with Sharp Rebuttal
BJP MP and former Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai dismissed Gandhi’s charges as baseless. “His allegations have become a damp squib. Rahul Gandhi should apologize for misleading people and tarnishing constitutional bodies like the Election Commission,” Bommai said.
