A group of 272 eminent citizens, including retired judges, senior bureaucrats, diplomats and armed forces veterans, has issued a strong public letter criticising Rahul Gandhi for repeatedly alleging large-scale “vote chori” during recent elections. The signatories expressed deep concern that such statements, made without formal complaints or substantiated evidence, risk eroding public trust in key democratic institutions.
In their detailed statement, the group accused Gandhi and the Congress leadership of engaging in politically charged rhetoric aimed at discrediting the Election Commission of India. They argued that instead of presenting concrete policy alternatives or verifiable proof of electoral malpractice, the opposition has chosen to intensify public suspicion by making dramatic claims.
The signatories also condemned what they termed “selective outrage,” noting that the Election Commission is praised by the opposition parties when results favour them but heavily criticised when outcomes are not in their favour.
They pointed out that the Commission had publicly shared details of the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls, conducted thorough verification processes and followed court-approved procedures while updating voter lists.
