"Prove 'vote chori' in 7-days or apologize": EC gives deadline to Rahul Gandhi

In a sharp and unprecedented response to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's "vote chori" (vote theft) allegations, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has given him a seven-day deadline to either submit an affidavit with concrete evidence or issue a public apology. The ECI, in a press conference held on Sunday at the National Media Centre, stated that in the absence of proof, all such charges would be considered false. The ultimatum marks a significant escalation in the ongoing war of words between the poll body and the opposition.

The ECI's firm response came just hours after Rahul Gandhi had renewed his criticism of the poll body while launching the "Voter Adhikar Yatra" in Sasaram, Bihar. During his address, the Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha accused the ECI of being biased. He highlighted a perceived double standard, stating that the ECI asked him for an affidavit regarding his allegations, but did not make the same demand of BJP leaders who had held press conferences.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, while addressing the media, was direct and unequivocal in his challenge. He stated, "Sign affidavit or apologise, there is no third option. If [Rahul Gandhi] doesn’t submit affidavit within seven days then it would mean his allegations are wrong." This clear message puts the onus squarely on Gandhi to either back up his claims with verifiable facts or publicly retract them.

In his remarks at the rally, Gandhi questioned the ECI's request for an affidavit. "When I held a press conference on vote theft, the Election Commission asked me for an affidavit. But when BJP leaders held a press conference a few days ago, no affidavit was demanded from them," he said. He added, "The Commission says, 'Submit an affidavit that your data is correct'. This data belongs to the Election Commission itself. Why am I being asked for an affidavit?" This stance reflects his view that his statements, based on what he claims is ECI's own data, should not require further substantiation from him.