ECI rejects Rahul Gandhi’s rigging claims in Maharashtra polls as ‘baseless’

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday dismissed as “baseless allegations” the claims made by Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi regarding rigging in the Maharashtra Assembly elections held in November 2024.

In a strongly worded statement, the ECI said, “The baseless allegations levelled against the electoral rolls of Maharashtra are an insult to the rule of law.” It added that the Commission had already addressed these issues in its detailed response to the Indian National Congress on December 24, 2024, and that the information is publicly available on its website.

“It appears that all these facts are being completely ignored and such issues are being raised time and again,” the Commission said, adding that the spread of misinformation was “disrespectful to the law” and a “totally absurd” attempt to defame the institution.

“Any misinformation being spread by any person is not only a sign of disrespect to the law but also brings disrepute to the thousands of representatives appointed by their own political party and frustrates the millions of election staff who have worked tirelessly and transparently during the elections,” the ECI said.

Rahul Gandhi had on Saturday alleged that the Maharashtra elections were “rigged” and warned that similar irregularities would take place in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for later this year.