New Delhi: Shortly after the Election Commission of India (ECI) set a deadline of 7 days for Leader of Opposition (LOP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to either file an affidavit with evidence or apologise for his ‘Vote Chori’ allegations, the Congress accused it of displaying “blatant partisanship”.
“Today, the Election Commission of India held a press conference. This was the first time this ‘new’ ECI has spoken directly and not planted through sources,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on X.
“An affidavit will have to be given or an apology will have to be made to the country. There is no third option. If the affidavit is not received within 7 days, it means that all these allegations are baseless,” Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar had said during a press conference on Sunday.
Ramesh referred to a ‘Press Note’ issued by the ECI on Saturday. According to him, in this note, the poll body shifted the responsibility of voter list corrections onto political parties and individuals. Ramesh added that the note “had also been met with uniform criticism from Opposition parties and widespread criticism from the general public.”
Ramesh highlighted the timing of Sunday’s presser, noting it took place shortly after Rahul Gandhi launched the INDI Alliance’s ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ from Sasaram.
“The CEC and his two ECs began by saying they make no distinction between the ruling party and the Opposition. This is laughable, to put it very mildly, in the face of mountains of evidence to the contrary,” he said.
He further alleged that the Chief Election Commissioner “answered none of the pointed questions raised by Rahul Gandhi meaningfully.”
Ramesh stated that the key issue now is compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling. “All that matters now is simply this: will the ECI implement, in letter and spirit, the Supreme Court’s orders of August 14th, 2025 on the Bihar SIR process? It is constitutionally bound to do so. The nation is waiting and watching,” he posted.
Reacting to what he called threats issued to Gandhi, Ramesh defended the LOP’s remarks. “All that needs to be said is that the LOP in the Lok Sabha had simply said facts revealed by the ECI’s own data. The ECI stands thoroughly exposed not only for its incompetence but also for its blatant partisanship,” he added.
