Electoral Integrity Under Fire: Rahul Gandhi Alleges Voter List Revision Masks Vote Theft

Updated: November 09, 2025 18:26

Image Source : The Hindu

Rahul Gandhi has accused the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls of institutionalising vote theft. He claims the revision process conceals large-scale manipulation in states like Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. The EC has rejected the allegations as unfounded, asserting transparency and procedural compliance.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a sharp critique of the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that its ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a deliberate attempt to institutionalise vote theft. Speaking at a party training camp in Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi claimed that the revision process is being used to cover up widespread voter list manipulation across multiple states.

The SIR exercise, which began on November 4, 2025, spans nine states and three Union Territories, aiming to update and verify voter rolls ahead of upcoming elections. However, Gandhi contends that the process lacks transparency and is being misused to legitimize electoral fraud.

Key Highlights:
Operation Sarkar Chori: Gandhi alleged that 25 lakh votes were manipulated in Haryana during the last Assembly elections, turning a Congress victory into a BJP win. He presented voter list anomalies as part of what he termed the “H Files.”

Multi-State Allegations: Similar irregularities were cited in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh, where Gandhi believes voter duplication, postal vote discrepancies, and suspicious house registrations distorted electoral outcomes.

Institutional Critique: Gandhi accused the ECI of colluding with the ruling party, stating that the SIR process is not a cleanup but a cover-up. He urged citizens and youth to demand electoral accountability.

Election Commission Response: The ECI dismissed the allegations, stating that no formal complaints or appeals were filed regarding multiple voting during the Haryana polls. Officials emphasized that the SIR aims to enhance accuracy and remove outdated entries.

Political Fallout: The remarks have intensified the political discourse around electoral reforms, with opposition parties rallying behind Gandhi’s call for greater scrutiny of voter data practices.

Public Engagement: Gandhi’s statements are part of a broader campaign to mobilize public opinion around electoral integrity, especially among first-time voters and civil society groups.

As the SIR process continues, the debate over its intent and execution is likely to shape political narratives in the lead-up to the next round of elections.

Sources: Outlook India, Free Press Journal, Indian Express, New Indian Express, NDTV.