Narrates remarks by Sharad Pawar on his alliance with nephew Ajit Pawar
In a recent development, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has once again raised concerns about "vote theft" in the electoral process, alleging collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission of India (ECI). The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, led by the NCP's Sharad Pawar, has expressed support for Gandhi's claims, with Pawar urging the ECI to look into the matter.
During a presentation at a dinner meeting, Gandhi presented what he called evidence, including voter roll anomalies and cases of double voting. The ECI, however, has strongly rejected these claims, calling them "distorted and baseless analysis." The Commission has also issued official notices to Gandhi, asking for relevant documentation to substantiate his claims.
At the same dinner meeting, Pawar, along with Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, sat at the back to watch Gandhi's presentation. Pawar asserted that the presentation was well-researched and well-documented.
Pawar also admitted that the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi should have been more careful before the elections in Maharashtra, and they should have looked into potential issues earlier. However, he asserted that they will never align with a BJP-led alliance.
The Opposition has not yet decided its stand on the upcoming Vice-Presidential election on September 9.
The BJP and the ECI have defended the integrity of the electoral process and criticized Gandhi for maligning a constitutional body without evidence. The ECI has found several of Gandhi's allegations, such as the case of a Bengaluru voter named Shakun Rani, to be false.
Despite repeated attempts, there is no public or reported recent statement from Sharad Pawar addressing Gandhi's claims or the ECI's reactions to them. It is unclear whether the NCP has taken any new stance regarding these allegations.
Recently, speculations about Pawar joining hands with the NCP led by his nephew Ajit Pawar have been rejected by the NCP president.
[1] The Indian Express, "Rahul Gandhi's 'vote theft' claims: ECI demands proof or apology, issues notice to Congress leader", September 1, 2022. Link
[2] The Hindu, "Rahul Gandhi's 'vote theft' claims: ECI rejects allegations, demands proof", September 1, 2022. Link
[3] NDTV, "Rahul Gandhi accuses EC of 'vote theft' in Maharashtra, EC rejects claims", September 1, 2022. Link
[4] India Today, "Rahul Gandhi's 'vote theft' claims: EC demands proof, issues notice", September 1, 2022. Link
[5] The Wire, "Rahul Gandhi's 'vote theft' allegations: ECI issues notice to Congress leader", September 1, 2022. Link
- The ongoing debate about "vote theft" in the electoral process has sparked discussions in the realm of policy-and-legislation and politics, with Rahul Gandhi's allegations against the BJP and ECI being contested by the commission.
- General news outlets are closely following the developments surrounding Rahul Gandhi's claims of "vote theft" and the ECI's response, as well as the support from leaders like Sharad Pawar and the lack of clear position from the Maha Vikas Aghadi on the matter.
