Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for questioning the outcome of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. Fadnavis stated that Gandhi’s refusal to accept the people’s verdict is not only undemocratic but also deeply disrespectful to the electorate.
In his opinion pieces published in The Indian Express and Marathi daily Loksatta, Fadnavis said Rahul Gandhi is preparing pre-emptive excuses for potential losses in upcoming elections, including those in Bihar. He accused Gandhi of creating a narrative that undermines constitutional institutions and democratic values.
Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations of Electoral Irregularities
On Saturday, Rahul Gandhi shared a post on social media platform X and in various newspapers, where he alleged widespread voter fraud during the Maharashtra assembly polls. He called the election process a “blueprint to rig democracy”, claiming the presence of fake voters, manipulated turnout figures, and hidden evidence.
Gandhi warned that this so-called “match-fixing” could be repeated in states like Bihar. However, the Election Commission rejected these accusations outright, labelling them “absurd and defamatory”.
Fadnavis Counters the Allegations with Data
Addressing the charge of inflated voter turnout and bogus voters, Fadnavis presented official data to dismiss Gandhi’s claims. He noted that an increase in young voters is a natural demographic trend.
- Between 2004 and 2009: 1 crore new voters were added
- 2009 to 2014: 75 lakh added
- 2014 to 2019: 63 lakh added
“These numbers clearly show that voter registration growth is consistent and not suspicious,” Fadnavis argued.
He also addressed the criticism regarding late surges in voter turnout. “It is standard procedure that people in queue by 6 pm are allowed to vote, even if voting continues past the scheduled time. This has always been the case,” he clarified.
In the second phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, voter turnout increased from 60.96% at 5 PM to 66.71% by the final count. “This 5.75% jump was accepted when Congress won. Why question it now?” he asked.
Exposing Selective Narratives
Fadnavis further challenged Rahul Gandhi’s claims by pointing out selective examples. While Gandhi mentioned Kamthi, where the NDA won after a spike in turnout, Fadnavis listed constituencies where the opposition benefited from late surges:
- Madha: 18% increase, Sharad Pawar group won
- Wani: 13% increase, Uddhav Thackeray faction won
- Shrirampur: 12% increase, Congress won
“If increased turnout is ‘suspicious’, then why did Congress and its allies benefit from it as well?” Fadnavis questioned.
Warning Against Misinformation
Fadnavis warned that questioning the mandate of farmers, women voters, and common citizens of Maharashtra could backfire. “This mindset of labelling people’s choice as flawed will isolate Congress further,” he said.
He also criticised the Bharat Jodo Yatra, calling it misleading. “Under the pretext of unity, this campaign has only created doubt and division. It promotes distrust in the judiciary, Election Commission, and Parliament,” he said.
Transparency in Election Commission Appointments
On the topic of election integrity, Fadnavis noted that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who introduced a new, more transparent process for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner. “Earlier, all appointments were made solely by the central government. For the first time, a committee including the Leader of the Opposition was formed,” he emphasized.
