ECI Challenges Rahul Gandhi's Allegations Amidst Caste Census Debate

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has called on Rahul Gandhi to either substantiate his claims of voter list manipulation by signing affidavits or issue a public apology. Meanwhile, the Congress-led Karnataka government has incorporated electoral rolls in their caste census strategy, highlighting a contradiction in Gandhi's accusations.

In a move intensifying the ongoing political discourse, the Election Commission of India (ECI) countered Rahul Gandhi's assertions of voter list tampering, stating that the Karnataka government, led by his Congress party, is utilizing the same electoral rolls for a vital caste census initiative.

The ECI highlighted a contradiction in Gandhi's stance, noting that at the same time he criticized the electoral rolls, the Congress government endorsed their credibility by making them the foundation for a significant policy. ECI representatives further alleged that Gandhi has persistently shirked direct communication responsibilities, citing instances where Gandhi disowned official correspondences attributed to third parties.

Gandhi had accused the creation of over 100,000 fake votes in a key Karnataka constituency to secure a BJP win. The ECI challenged him to verify his claims publicly or retract them. Failure to commit to either path, the ECI argued, would necessitate Gandhi issuing an apology to the nation for his unsubstantiated allegations.

(With inputs from agencies.)