‘Lok Sabha Poll Was Rigged’: Rahul Gandhi Says India’s Election System Is ‘Dead’

Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government and the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging large-scale rigging in the 2024 general elections.

Speaking at the Annual Legal Conclave 2025 in Delhi, Gandhi claimed the country’s electoral system has collapsed, declaring, “We are going to prove to you in the coming few days how a Lok Sabha election can be rigged—and was rigged.”

He further stated, “The truth is that the election system in India is already dead. The Prime Minister of India is holding office with a very slim majority. If 15 seats were rigged, he would not be the Prime Minister today.”

‘Atom Bomb’ Allegation

Escalating his accusations, Gandhi said the Congress party has “open-and-shut proof” of what he called “vote theft,” directly implicating the Election Commission. “What we found is an ‘atom bomb’. When we reveal it, the whole country will see the Election Commission’s role in enabling vote theft for the BJP.”

He claimed the investigation, conducted independently by Congress over six months, uncovered evidence severe enough to “shake the very foundations” of the ECI.

Gandhi’s Warning to EC Officials

Gandhi issued a stern warning to current and former ECI officials allegedly involved in the malpractice, calling their actions “no less than treason.”

“Whoever in the Election Commission is involved in this, from top to bottom—we will not spare you. Even if you are retired, we will find you,” he said.

ECI Responds: ‘Baseless and Irresponsible’

The Election Commission swiftly rejected the allegations, calling Gandhi’s remarks baseless, unfounded, and irresponsible.

In a statement, the ECI said, “Despite threats being given daily, we urge all election officials to continue working impartially and transparently. Such statements are aimed at undermining public trust.”

The EC also revealed that official communication had been sent to Gandhi on June 12, but he did not raise any concerns through the designated channels.

Background

Gandhi’s remarks follow his earlier criticism of the ECI and BJP over alleged manipulation during the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. He accused the EC of aiding the BJP through systemic voter fraud, a claim now forming the basis of the Congress party’s upcoming public disclosure.

As tensions rise, the political and legal implications of Gandhi’s promised revelations could become a significant flashpoint in Indian politics.