Rahul Gandhi's Red Flags on Maharashtra Elections: Are We Ignoring the Cracks in India's Voting System?
India prides itself on being the world's largest democracy. And for good reason—conducting free and fair elections across a country as vast and diverse as India is a logistical marvel. But what happens when questions begin to surface about the very process that ensures this democratic integrity?
That’s exactly what Congress leader and newly appointed Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has asked. His recent remarks about the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections raise concerns that go beyond party politics. They strike at the core of India's electoral credibility.
What Are the Allegations?
Rahul Gandhi has raised three critical points:
- A sudden, massive increase in registered voters just before the Assembly elections.
- Unusual voting surges after 5 p.m. on polling day.
- Restricted access to CCTV footage, especially after the Centre amended the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.
Add to that the long-standing demand for transparency in the appointment of Election Commissioners, and it paints a picture of a system in need of introspection.
The Voter Roll Puzzle
According to Gandhi, nearly 39 lakh voters were added to the electoral rolls in just six months between the general election and the Assembly polls in Maharashtra. That's a huge number—and it understandably raises eyebrows.
But a deeper look reveals that this isn't a first. In 2014, a similar spike in voters was recorded before Assembly elections. So while the number is undeniably large, it’s not unprecedented.
That said, the Election Commission of India (ECI) must proactively release machine-readable electoral roll data. This would help political parties and watchdogs verify voter lists independently and improve public trust in the process.
Voting After 5 p.m.—Fact or Fiction?
Gandhi also raised concerns about a surge in votes cast after 5 p.m., suggesting potential foul play. But the ECI data seems to tell a different story. Provisional turnout numbers, often shared through an app during elections, showed high turnout after 5 p.m. But these numbers are not official and are manually entered, often prone to human error.
Form 17C data, which contains final and verified booth-level voting numbers, is released after a short delay. According to this data, no abnormal spike was recorded post 5 p.m. in Maharashtra.
So while the suspicion may seem valid on the surface, the evidence doesn’t back it up—at least not yet.
The CCTV Footage Controversy
Perhaps the most pressing issue is the Centre’s decision to amend the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, which has made it harder for political parties to access CCTV footage from polling booths.
In an age where visual evidence is key to accountability, this move has been widely criticised. Why should footage, which was earlier shared with party nominees in case of complaints, suddenly be off-limits?
If anything, allowing CCTV access strengthens the integrity of the voting process. Blocking it only fuels suspicion.
Appointment of Election Commissioners: A Pending Reform
Back in March 2023, the Supreme Court had recommended including the Chief Justice of India in the panel that appoints Election Commissioners. But the Centre ignored it and passed a law that retained control within the executive.
This move sparked fears of partisanship. After all, an independent election commission is essential for ensuring level playing fields. If the body that oversees elections is seen as biased, the entire system loses its legitimacy.
Time for Political Maturity
Let’s be clear: transparency works both ways. While it’s fair for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress to raise concerns, political parties also have a responsibility to participate actively in electoral processes like voter roll verification.
Often, parties raise the alarm after results don’t go their way, instead of engaging constructively before polls to ensure accountability. This reactionary approach needs to change.
At the same time, the ECI must do more to earn public trust. Providing timely access to verified data, allowing CCTV review in case of disputes, and embracing digital transparency tools can go a long way.
Why It Matters
The Maharashtra elections may be over, but the questions Rahul Gandhi raised won’t—and shouldn’t—disappear. They offer a mirror to our democratic process. Do we want to keep brushing cracks under the carpet, or do we want to fix them before they become unfixable?
Democracy is not a destination—it’s a journey. And that journey depends not just on voters, but on how votes are counted, verified, and trusted.
