Wed Sep 24 11:12:29 UTC 2025: **Here’s a summary:**

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of belatedly addressing vote theft in Karnataka’s Aland constituency only after he raised the issue. He is demanding that the ECI provide evidence related to deleted votes in Aland to the Karnataka CID, who are currently investigating the alleged fraud. Gandhi claims that the ECI’s new Aadhar-based verification system for voter additions and deletions is a direct result of his exposing the Aland situation. The ECI, however, denies this claim, stating that the new verification system is not related to the Aland row.

**Here’s a news article based on the text:**

**Gandhi Accuses ECI of Belated Action on Vote Theft, Demands Evidence in Karnataka Case**

**New Delhi – September 24, 2025** – Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi today escalated his criticism of the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing them of taking action on vote theft only after he brought the issue to light. Speaking out on Wednesday, Gandhi specifically targeted Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, demanding the immediate provision of evidence related to deleted votes in the Aland assembly constituency in Karnataka to the state’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

“Gyanesh ji, we caught the theft and only then did you remember to put a lock – now we’ll catch the thieves too,” Gandhi posted on X, referring to the ECI’s recently implemented ‘e-sign’ feature, requiring Aadhar-based verification for voter additions and deletions. He framed the new system as a direct response to his earlier claims of attempted voter deletion in Aland.

Gandhi had previously alleged that a software was used to illegally delete votes in Aland, a situation the CID is currently investigating following the registration of a First Information Report (FIR). He has urged the CEC to release details of those involved in the alleged vote fraud to aid the CID’s investigation.

While acknowledging the implementation of the new verification system, ECI officials have denied that it is a reaction to the Aland controversy, refuting Gandhi’s claims. The controversy surrounds allegations that votes were targeted for deletion in Aland. The new e-sign feature is the first nationwide e-sign feature implimented by the ECI.

The ongoing investigation and Gandhi’s sharp criticism are likely to further intensify scrutiny on the ECI in the lead-up to future elections.

Read More