Tue Jun 24 08:32:58 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Election Commission Responds to Rahul Gandhi’s Rigging Allegations in 2024 Maharashtra Polls**

**New Delhi, June 24, 2025 (The Hindu)** – The Election Commission of India (ECI) has formally addressed allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding potential rigging in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections. In a letter emailed to Mr. Gandhi on June 12th, responding to his article published in a national daily, the ECI vehemently refuted the claims, asserting that all elections are conducted strictly according to parliamentary laws and established rules.

The ECI emphasized the extensive involvement of personnel in the election process, including over 100,000 Booth Level Officers (BLOs), hundreds of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), General Observers, Police Observers, Expenditure Observers, and Returning Officers, along with over 100,000 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from various political parties, including the Congress party. The Commission also stated its belief that any legitimate concerns regarding the election conduct would have been raised through election petitions filed in the appropriate High Court.

The ECI also pushed back against the idea of releasing CCTV footage from polling booths. saying it may put voters in danger.

The Commission extended an invitation to Mr. Gandhi to discuss his concerns in person at a mutually agreeable time. It also noted that the entire election process is conducted in a decentralised manner.

Mr. Gandhi’s allegations included a claim that the call from the EC to reduce photo retention period was a sign that “the match is fixed”.

The ECI’s response comes after Mr. Gandhi publicly questioned the integrity of the electoral process, alleging irregularities in the Maharashtra polls. The Election Commission’s statement aims to reassure the public of the robustness and impartiality of the Indian electoral system.

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