New Delhi:
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has levelled serious allegations against the conduct of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, claiming that the electoral process was manipulated and that the Congress party possesses evidence to prove large-scale irregularities. Speaking at a Congress event in Delhi on Thursday, 1 August, Gandhi alleged that there were over 1.5 lakh fake voters in just one constituency and questioned the integrity of the Election Commission.
“The Lok Sabha election was rigged. We have data to prove it,” Rahul Gandhi declared, without naming the constituency where the alleged voter fraud occurred. “In one seat alone, we found 1.5 lakh fake votes. If we investigate other constituencies, we will find even more shocking facts.”
The Congress leader’s remarks come in the backdrop of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance’s victory in the 2024 general elections, in which the BJP secured a majority in alliance but fell short of a single party majority. The Congress made notable gains, increasing its seat count and vote share, but remained in opposition.
Gandhi also took direct aim at the Election Commission of India (ECI), stating, “The Election Commission is not independent. It has become an extension of the ruling party.” He accused the institution of failing to carry out its constitutional duties and alleged that its inaction during the election process allowed irregularities to take place.
The Congress party has not yet released the detailed data Gandhi referred to in his speech. However, sources within the party said that an internal review is underway, and legal options are being explored to challenge the validity of results in certain constituencies.
In response to the allegations, there was no official statement from the Election Commission at the time of filing this report. However, the ECI has consistently maintained that it follows strict protocols and safeguards to ensure free and fair elections, including multi layered checks for voter verification and the use of electronic voting machines with VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail).
Gandhi’s allegations are expected to escalate political tensions and revive debates around electoral reforms and institutional independence. He called on opposition parties to unite in demanding greater accountability and transparency in the electoral process. “This is not about the Congress or BJP. This is about Indian democracy. If we allow this kind of rigging to go unchallenged, we are endangering the foundation of our Republic,” he said.
Political analysts say the Congress party’s decision to raise these claims formally, rather than through routine political commentary, signals a broader strategy to keep the issue alive in public discourse. The party is expected to follow up with petitions and a public outreach campaign in the coming weeks.
