The Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra has asked the Congress leader to release a signed statement and oath, which should confirm the accuracy of his assertions and acknowledge the legal consequences of making a false declaration under Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
Rahul Gandhi alleged that last year’s Maharashtra Assembly poll results confirmed the Congress party’s suspicion that the election was “stolen.” The state election authority has pushed back, calling the statement misleading. The row marks a new flashpoint in the ongoing debate over electoral transparency and political responsibility.
Maharashtra CEO Responds to Rahul’s Accusations
In a sharp response, the Maharashtra CEO has directly challenged Rahul Gandhi’s assertions. The office stated that Gandhi must back his claims with a formal declaration and oath. Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules requires any person making such allegations to sign an affidavit acknowledging potential punishment if proven wrong.
The move comes after Gandhi reiterated that the Congress lost the Maharashtra polls last year due to manipulation. According to him, the outcome was not a result of public mandate but electoral malpractice. However, the CEO refuted this, calling the statement “misleading” and urging accountability through lawful means.
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Echoes of Karnataka
Rahul Gandhi had already asserted similar things in Karnataka. The state election commission also asked for the evidence in the form of a formal declaration. This coordinated attempt by Congress to sabotage the electoral process through political messaging is indicated by the recurrence across states.
Both state election authorities have taken the same legal action, which argues that claims must be backed up by written affidavits under the current rules. Rahul Gandhi is now under pressure to either formally state or retract his claims.
Politics of Proof
According to Rahul Gandhi’s supporters, he is raising concerns that many people share. However, Election officials insist that such serious charges must follow the law.
Authorities are moving the discussion from political rhetoric to official duty by asking a signed declaration. Gandhi’s compliance might establish a precedent. If he doesn’t, the BJP is likely to use it to question his credibility.
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Legal Route or Political Gamble?
The issue now straddles legal and political dimensions. Gandhi can, on the one hand, file the declaration and use the legal system to argue his case.
As this dispute develops, it draws attention to a developing pattern, statements about elections can no longer be dismissed as unsubstantiated catchphrases. They have to pass the legal test.
