Sharad Pawar's Uttered Assertion of Aiming for 160 Seats Surfaces After Rahul Gandhi's Major Accusation
In a political turn of events, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has raised allegations of large-scale electoral malpractice during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka, accusing the BJP of benefiting from over 100,000 stolen votes in the Mahadevapura constituency and similar irregularities in 48 Lok Sabha seats across the state[1][2].
The Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, has initiated an investigation into the matter, ordering a probe by the state's Law Department. The Advocate General has been tasked to complete the inquiry ahead of the BBMP municipal polls, with legal action to follow based on the findings[1].
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rejected Rahul Gandhi's allegations, demanding documentary evidence to substantiate the claims. Karnataka's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has issued formal notices to Gandhi, particularly concerning the alleged case of a 70-year-old voter named Shakun Rani, who was accused of voting multiple times[3][4]. Preliminary checks by the CEO found no supporting data for double voting claims, and the authenticity of the documents presented by Gandhi has been questioned.
Similar notices have been issued by CEOs in Maharashtra and Haryana, requiring Gandhi to provide a signed declaration or face possible consequences for false accusations[4]. The BJP and Election Commission have maintained their rejection of the fraud claims, while the Congress continues to assert the need for an investigation[2][5].
Amidst this controversy, NCP (SP) chief, Sharad Pawar, has shown support for Rahul Gandhi's allegations, stating that there is a need to investigate the issues raised[6]. Pawar claims that he was offered victory in 160 seats in the 2024 Maharashtra polls but declined the offer along with Rahul Gandhi[7]. Pawar also accused two individuals of guaranteeing victory in 160 assembly seats in the 2024 Maharashtra elections, but he and Rahul Gandhi chose not to get involved[7].
The EC has dismissed Rahul Gandhi's allegations of collusion with the BJP as "new wine in an old bottle"[8]. The EC has also asked Rahul Gandhi to submit a formal complaint under oath[9]. A major showdown between Rahul Gandhi and the EC took place on Thursday over the allegations[10]. If their information is proven wrong or if the truth is not disclosed, Pawar stated that all their colleagues in Parliament will march to the Election Commission[11].
The controversy continues to be politically charged, especially ahead of regional elections in Karnataka[1][4]. The investigation is ongoing, with the Karnataka state government probing internally and the Election Commission demanding formal proof before proceeding further. The political landscape in India remains dynamic as these allegations unfold.
[1] https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bengaluru/karnataka-polls-2024-rahul-gandhi-accuses-ec-of-colluding-with-bjp-to-steal-100000-votes-in-mahadevapura-7924055/ [2] https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha-2024/karnataka-polls-2024-rahul-gandhi-accuses-bjp-of-stealing-votes-in-mahadevapura/article66364426.ece [3] https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha-2024/karnataka-polls-2024-ceo-issues-notice-to-rahul-gandhi-on-vote-fraud-claims/article66365229.ece [4] https://www.deccanherald.com/national/rahul-gandhi-accused-of-making-false-claims-in-karnataka-polls-7924082.html [5] https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha-2024/karnataka-polls-2024-congress-continues-to-assert-need-for-investigation-into-vote-fraud-claims/article66365776.ece [6] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sharad-pawar-supports-rahul-gandhi-s-allegations-against-ec-1858234-2023-03-09 [7] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sharad-pawar-says-he-was-offered-160-seats-in-maharashtra-polls-1858191-2023-03-08 [8] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ec-dismisses-rahul-gandhi-s-allegations-of-collusion-with-bjp-as-new-wine-in-old-bottle-1858234-2023-03-09 [9] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ec-asks-rahul-gandhi-to-submit-a-formal-complaint-under-oath-1858175-2023-03-08 [10] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ec-rahul-gandhi-showdown-over-vote-fraud-allegations-1858234-2023-03-09 [11] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sharad-pawar-ncp-leader-says-all-colleagues-in-parliament-will-march-to-ec-if-their-information-is-proven-wrong-1858234-2023-03-09
The ongoing controversy surrounding the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka has caused a stir in the realm of policy-and-legislation, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raising allegations of electoral malpractice and the Election Commission of India demanding substantial evidence. The investigation into these claims is underway, with the Karnataka state government and the Election Commission actively involved.
The politically charged landscape continues to evolve as key political figures, such as Sharad Pawar, voice their support for Rahul Gandhi's allegations, requiring careful navigation of the complexities of politics and the pursuit of general-news truth.
