ECI invites Rahul for discussions at mutually convenient time, place

The Election Commission has written to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, inviting him for an "interaction" to discuss "all issues" of concern.

In its communication dated June 12, the Commission said Gandhi is welcome to either write to it with his concerns or meet in person at a mutually convenient date and time.

The EC's outreach comes amid Gandhi's repeated criticism of the poll panel - including allegations of avoiding the release of booth-level CCTV footage and raising concerns over "abnormal" additions to Maharashtra's electoral rolls ahead of the 2024 assembly polls.


On Tuesday, Gandhi again alleged "vote theft" in Maharashtra in a post on X, and demanded immediate release of machine-readable digital voter rolls and CCTV footage.

The Election Commission has strongly denied the allegations and issued multiple clarifications. It cited a previous communication sent to the Congress on December 24, 2024, in this regard.

In its June 12 letter to Gandhi, the EC reiterated that elections are conducted "strictly as per electoral laws passed by Parliament, rules framed under them, and instructions issued by the Commission from time to time."

It also pointed out that the election process is conducted in a "decentralised" manner at the assembly constituency level, with multiple layers of scrutiny.

On the specific issue of Maharashtra, the EC said the 2024 assembly election involved 1,00,186 Booth Level Officers, 288 Electoral Registration Officers, 139 General Observers, 41 Police Observers, 71 Expenditure Observers, and 288 Returning Officers.

It added that 1,08,026 Booth Level Agents were appointed by national and state political parties - including 28,421 from the Indian National Congress.

"However, if you still have any issues, you are welcome to write to us. The Commission is also willing to meet you in person at a mutually convenient date and time to discuss all issues," the EC added.