New Delhi, June 12, 2025:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has stated that the Congress party did not raise any serious objections regarding the voter list during the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. According to the ECI, the party only brought up these concerns after the results were declared, raising questions about the timing and intent behind the complaints.
Rahul Gandhi’s “Match Fixing” Allegation
The ECI’s statement comes in response to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent article, where he alleged that the Maharashtra polls were “match-fixed” in favour of the BJP, and similar tactics might be used in the upcoming Bihar elections.
EC’s Clarification:
- Annual Revision: Voter rolls are revised every year through a participatory process under legal provisions.
- Free Copies to Parties: Draft and final rolls are shared for free with all recognized political parties, including Congress.
- Verification Process: Every entry is verified by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and reviewed by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs).
- Legal Framework: The process is governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
On Statistical Estimates:
The Commission emphasized that electoral roll inclusion/removal cannot be based on demographic estimates but only on valid, verifiable individual applications submitted by citizens.
Final Stand:
The EC reiterated that no formal complaints were received from the Congress during the revision or publication of voter lists. The Commission also noted that both digital and printed versions of the rolls were provided to all political parties well in advance.