The confrontation between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday escalated further after the Commission issued a detailed rebuttal to his recent allegations of bias and misconduct.
The ugly spat between Rahul Gandhi and the Election Commission marks a rare moment of open hostility between a senior political leader and the country’s top constitutional body tasked with safeguarding electoral democracy.
In a strongly worded clarification, the ECI called Gandhi’s remarks wild, irresponsible, and deplorable, accusing him of making unfounded claims and even threatening poll officials.
The latest row stems from Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the ECI over the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in states like Bihar, where the Congress has alleged manipulation and irregularities. Gandhi had recently accused the ECI of working under political pressure and ignoring democratic principles.
According to the ECI, the Congress leader was sent an official email and a formal letter on June 12, 2025, inviting him to share evidence or concerns on the matter. “He did not respond to either communication,” the Commission noted. “Contrary to his public posturing, Rahul Gandhi has never sent any letter to the Election Commission on any issue whatsoever,” it said.
Responding to Gandhi’s more recent attacks, where he reportedly accused the ECI of compromising its integrity and even issued veiled threats to its staff, the Commission condemned the statements as very strange and deplorable.
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It added, “The Election Commission takes strong objection to such irresponsible statements and urges all public figures to maintain dignity in public discourse.”
Reiterating its position, the Commission affirmed that it has instructed all election staff across the country to continue functioning impartially, transparently, and without fear or favour. “The ECI has a constitutional duty to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, and it will not be swayed by political rhetoric,” the statement concluded.
What began as a critique of alleged irregularities in the Special Summary Revision (SIR) process in states like Bihar has now spiraled into a full-blown war of words, marked by accusations, denials, and counter-attacks.
ECI’s strong response suggests it sees Gandhi’s remarks not merely as political rhetoric but as a serious attempt to undermine public trust in the electoral process.
