Addressing the Indian community in Boston, the Congress leader expressed concerns regarding the Maharashtra elections, asserting that “something is fundamentally wrong with the system.”
Gandhi stated, “More individuals participated in the Maharashtra Assembly elections than there are adults in Maharashtra.”
“The Election Commission provided a voter turnout figure for 5:30 pm, and between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm, 65 lakh voters cast their ballots. This is physically impossible,” he elaborated.
He further claimed that they were denied access to the video footage when they inquired.
“They not only refused our request but also altered the law, making it illegal for us to request videography,” he added.
Boston, US: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi states “It is evident to us that the Election Commission is compromised, and that there’s something wrong with the system. I’ve reiterated this numerous times…More people voted in the Maharashtra Assembly… pic.twitter.com/tUa7i2S2XN
— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2025
Numerous X users criticized the Congress leader for ‘defaming India’ on an international stage.
One commented, “Rahul Gandhi once again addressing Indian institutions on foreign soil. If the EC was compromised, I can’t fathom why BJP would secure 240 seats.”
Another user remarked, “RG always opts for a foreign stage to defame India.”
“A habitual liar is spreading misinformation again abroad. He neglects to mention that this same system allowed his party to win in Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal state assemblies,” noted another.
One stated, “Rahul Gandhi repeatedly chooses foreign soil to question India’s democratic institutions.”
The Election Commission has previously dismissed allegations of manipulated electoral records, calling them unfounded.
They highlighted that only a limited number of appeals or modifications were made under Sections 22 to 24 of the Representation of People Act during the recent Special Summary Revision (SSR), which was published in January 2025.
The Special Summary Revision (SSR) is a standard process for updating electoral rolls, ensuring new voters are added and duplicates or deceased voters are removed.
Despite having over 13.8 million Booth Level Agents (BLAs) nationwide, officials reported that merely 89 appeals were filed in Maharashtra.
Sources indicated that the final electoral rolls should be deemed uncontested due to the minimal level of disputes.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pradeep Bhandari responded to Rahul Gandhi’s criticisms of the electoral process abroad.
“Anti-Democracy, Anti-India Rahul Gandhi, who has failed to win the trust of the Indian electorate, now questions the Indian democratic process on foreign soil,” Bhandari expressed.
