Rahul Gandhi alleges Election Commission compromised in Maharashtra Polls

Rahul Gandhi, the ex-Congress President and Opposition Leader in Lok Sabha, asserted that the Election Commission is compromised and pointed out flaws in the system during the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called him a 'traitor' for his remarks and accused the Election Commission of showing frustration over the Enforcement Directorate's activities in the National Herald case.

Speaking at an event on Sunday, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha asserted that, simply put, more individuals participated in the Maharashtra Assembly elections than the adult population in the state. 'The Election Commission provided us with the voter turnout figures until 5.30 pm, and between 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm, 6.5 million voters cast their ballots.'

The Congress leader mentioned that it is impossible for such a large number of people to reach the polling booth and cast their votes within the given timeframe. It takes approximately 3 minutes for each voter to cast a vote, and based on calculations, the queue of voters would have extended until 2 am, which did not occur. 'When we requested videography, they not only denied it but also amended the law to prevent us from requesting videography. It is evident to us that the Election Commission has been compromised, and there is clearly an issue with the system. I have stated this multiple times.'

Taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi's remarks, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "You are lashing out at the Election Commission for the Enforcement Directorate's action in the National Herald case, but nothing will be achieved by doing so." The ED will not spare you as the agencies work on the basis of facts and the National Herald case is an open and closed case. Will be caught with the proceeds earned through the crime and sent to jail.