Ex-ECs Slam CEC Gyanesh Kumar Over Rahul Gandhi Row, Urge Probe

National News:Weeks after the Chief Election Commissioner of India (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar's strong response to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi's allegations of 'vote theft,' three former election commissioners have questioned the Election Commission's functioning in the matter. Former Chief Election Commissioners SY Qureshi and OP Rawat, as well as former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa, called the process of Gyanesh Kumar seeking a signed affidavit from Rahul Gandhi inappropriate. They say that the matter should have been dealt with in a more balanced and transparent manner.

'It is not right to react in anger'

During a conversation at a conclave, SY Qureshi criticized the sharp reaction of the Election Commission. He said that Rahul Gandhi did not only express his views but also raised the concerns of many citizens. Qureshi said that Challenging the leader of the opposition with such language and anger is not good for the credibility of the Election Commission. if he were in Gyanesh Kumar's place, he would have immediately ordered an inquiry and made the facts public. Former CEC OP Rawat also objected to the response of the Election Commission and said that the matter should have been resolved immediately.

"The job of the Election Commission has never been to question stakeholders. When someone makes a serious allegation, it is the duty of the Commission to immediately investigate and make the findings public so that no doubt arises." –Rawat

Ashok Lavasa also expressed concern

Former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa questioned Gyanesh Kumar's demand for an affidavit from Rahul Gandhi. He said that whenever a serious complaint is made, the Election Commission should take it seriously.

"Questioning the credibility of the voter list prepared under the Election Commission is a very serious matter. No doubt should be left in the air on this." – Lavasa

Gyanesh Kumar's reaction

In a press conference held in August, Gyanesh Kumar had called Rahul Gandhi's allegations of 'vote theft' an insult to the Constitution. He had given a 7-day ultimatum to the Congress leader, saying that he should either submit a signed affidavit or apologize to the country.

"Affidavit or apology—there is no third option. If the affidavit is not received in seven days, then all these allegations will be considered baseless." – Gyanesh Kumar

A few days ago, Rahul Gandhi had given examples of more than 100,000 fake voters in Karnataka's Mahadevpura assembly constituency and said that this 'vote theft model' has been implemented in many seats across the country. He presented data and claimed that these include duplicate voters, fake addresses and bogus entries.

Chidambaram also targeted

After the reaction of the three former Election Commissioners, Congress leader P. Chidambaram targeted Gyanesh Kumar.

"These three former officials have clearly said that if a citizen or stakeholder makes a serious complaint, then it is the duty of the Election Commission to investigate and not challenge the leader of the opposition. Now Gyanesh Kumar should respond to these statements." – Chidambaram's tweet

Former Election Commissioners and Congress leaders have now raised serious questions about the Election Commission's strict response to Rahul Gandhi's 'vote theft' allegations. The matter is no longer limited to just allegations and counter-allegations, but it is also directly affecting the Election Commission's credibility and transparency reputation.