Rahul Gandhi Alleges Maharashtra Polls Were Rigged, Warns Bihar Could Be Next as BJP Dismisses Claims

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sparked a fresh political storm by alleging that the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections were “rigged,” warning that the same tactics may be used again in the upcoming Bihar polls. Taking to social media platform X on Saturday, Gandhi posted a link to his published article, calling the Maharashtra elections a “blueprint for rigging democracy” and detailing what he described as a five-step manipulation strategy.

According to Gandhi, the rigging process began by influencing the panel responsible for appointing the Election Commission, followed by adding fake voters to the rolls. He further claimed that voter turnout was inflated in strategic constituencies, bogus votes were cast precisely where the BJP needed to win, and crucial evidence was then hidden to cover the tracks. “It’s not hard to see why the BJP was so desperate in Maharashtra,” Gandhi wrote, comparing the alleged manipulation to match-fixing. He warned that this method of electoral fraud, if left unchecked, would extend to Bihar and potentially to every state where the BJP faces electoral setbacks.

Calling on the citizens of India to examine the evidence and demand transparency, the Congress leader argued that such electoral manipulation not only corrupts the democratic process but also erodes public faith in institutions. “Match-fixed elections are a poison for any democracy,” he stated, urging all Indians to hold the system accountable.

Rahul Gandhi’s comments come after the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a sweeping victory in Maharashtra, winning 235 out of 288 seats. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats, while allies Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP secured 57 and 41 seats respectively. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance suffered significant losses, with Congress managing only 16 seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) 20, and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction just 10.

In response to Gandhi’s allegations, the Election Commission of India has categorically denied any wrongdoing. It clarified that the jump in voter turnout figures from 5 PM to late evening is a normal part of the data aggregation process. The ECI also emphasized that Form 17C, which records turnout data at the polling station level, is available to all candidates’ agents, making it virtually impossible to manipulate final turnout numbers. Regarding concerns over fake or deleted voters, the Commission stated that no arbitrary changes were made to the electoral rolls.

The BJP has strongly refuted Gandhi’s allegations. Party spokesperson Tuhin Sinha accused him of “disgraceful antics” aimed at maligning constitutional institutions. “These issues have been addressed in detail by the EC. The same process was followed during the Karnataka elections, which the Congress won. Rahul Gandhi himself has quoted different figures at different times,” Sinha said.

As the political atmosphere intensifies ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Gandhi’s explosive claims and the BJP’s sharp rebuttal set the stage for yet another high-stakes electoral battle. Whether the public buys into the allegations or dismisses them as political rhetoric remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—India’s democratic machinery is once again under the microscope.