Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of shielding individuals allegedly involved in voter deletions in Karnataka’s Aland constituency. The ECI swiftly rejected the claims, calling them “incorrect and baseless,” further escalating political tensions ahead of upcoming elections.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Gandhi presented what he described as “100% proof” of systematic voter deletions in Aland, located in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi district. According to him, over 6,000 voters were targeted through fake deletion requests processed via mobile devices and unauthorized software, predominantly affecting booths with strong Congress support. He alleged that multiple deletion requests were processed in mere seconds, indicating a coordinated effort to disenfranchise voters.
The Election Commission immediately countered Gandhi’s allegations, stating that no voter deletion can occur online without giving the affected individuals a chance to respond. The ECI emphasized that its processes are designed to ensure transparency and fairness and that Gandhi’s claims lacked factual basis.
The controversy drew swift political reactions. Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Gandhi for spreading a “false narrative” and undermining democratic institutions. Shah referred to Gandhi’s campaign as the “Ghuspaithiya Bachao Yatra,” suggesting it focused more on supporting illegal immigrants than on addressing pressing national issues. Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called on the Election Commission to provide technical data—including IP logs, device ports, and OTP trails—to the state’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) within a week to facilitate a thorough investigation.
| Issue | Gandhi’s Claim | ECI Response |
|---|---|---|
| Voter Deletions | Over 6,000 voters allegedly removed using fake applications and mobile software | No voter deletion can occur online without allowing affected individuals to respond |
| Targeted Areas | Booths with strong Congress support | Process is designed to ensure transparency and fairness |
| Evidence | Claimed “100% proof” of deletion operations processed within seconds | Allegations lack factual basis |
The dispute over alleged voter deletions in Aland has intensified political tensions, highlighting concerns over electoral integrity and public trust in democratic institutions. While the ECI maintains that the electoral process is secure and transparent, opposition leaders continue to demand a comprehensive investigation. As the situation develops, all eyes remain on the authorities to ensure accountability and safeguard the democratic process.
