Ballot or Betrayal? Rahul Gandhi Alleges 2024 Maharashtra Election Was ‘Stolen’

Paromita Das
New Delhi, 9th June:  In what has become a familiar flashpoint in Bharatiya politics, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reignited the debate over electoral integrity—this time in the context of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. Gandhi accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies of orchestrating a “five-step theft” of the election, alleging manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), misuse of administrative machinery, media partisanship, voter bribery, and widespread intimidation tactics. While such claims may appeal to a segment of the electorate that feels disenfranchised or skeptical of state mechanisms, they also risk undermining the credibility of constitutional institutions, particularly the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The timing and gravity of Gandhi’s allegations cannot be ignored. Maharashtra remains a politically crucial state, home to over 96 million people and a diverse electorate. It contributes significantly to national parliamentary strength and economic output. Allegations of electoral fraud in such a pivotal region are not just political statements—they carry the potential to deeply impact public trust in democracy itself.

Allegations and Their Broader Implications

Rahul Gandhi’s accusation of EVM tampering marks a continuation of skepticism that dates back to earlier elections, both at the state and national level. He claims that electronic voting systems were manipulated in favor of the ruling party, raising fresh doubts despite repeated endorsements of EVM security by the ECI and independent technical audits. His claims also include administrative collusion—where state machinery allegedly aided the BJP’s electoral strategy by selectively deploying police forces and district officials in ways that suppressed opposition votes.

Another critical point of Gandhi’s rhetoric lies in media bias. He argues that the media, both state-owned and private, has increasingly functioned as a mouthpiece for the ruling party, leaving little room for opposition voices. This observation aligns with broader critiques made by watchdog organizations. According to the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, Bharat ranks 159th out of 180 countries, reflecting concerns over increasing pressure on journalists and shrinking space for dissent.

Voter bribery and intimidation further compound the severity of the allegations. Gandhi’s assertions suggest that cash, liquor, and gifts were distributed in exchange for votes—an age-old tactic in Bharatiya politics, though difficult to prove systematically. Reports by civil society watchdogs like the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) have documented rising election-related expenditures, much of which remains unaccounted for. The 2024 Maharashtra election saw a record ₹1,500 crore in declared spending, a 20% increase from 2019, but many believe the actual figure may be much higher when illicit expenses are considered.

Counter-Narratives and Institutional Defenses

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde were quick to refute Gandhi’s allegations, describing them as “excuses from a party that has lost touch with the ground realities.” They emphasized that the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance secured a decisive mandate, reflecting public approval rather than manipulation. The Election Commission also issued a formal rebuttal, stating that the elections were conducted in adherence to all protocols and under stringent supervision. It emphasized that no substantial complaint or verifiable evidence had emerged to support Gandhi’s accusations.

Indeed, Bharat’s EVMs have been rigorously defended by technical experts. The ECI has time and again stated that Bharatiya EVMs are stand-alone machines, not connected to any external network, and hence, immune to hacking. Furthermore, the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system, now mandatory in all polling booths, adds an extra layer of transparency, allowing voters to verify their choices.

A Tenuous Balance Between Vigilance and Cynicism

Rahul Gandhi’s allegations raise a difficult question: when does healthy skepticism become corrosive cynicism? A democracy must allow room for questioning its processes, especially from opposition leaders. However, persistent and often unsubstantiated claims of electoral malpractice risk creating a ‘boy who cried wolf’ scenario—where genuine cases of fraud, if they arise in the future, might be dismissed due to overuse of the rhetoric.

Moreover, repeated accusations without substantial evidence could disengage voters rather than energize them. When the legitimacy of every electoral outcome is questioned, public faith in voting as a means of change erodes. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 64% of Bharatiya citizens still trust elections as a fair mechanism, but that number has seen a downward trend from earlier decades. Public figures have a responsibility to preserve that trust, even as they hold institutions accountable.

The Need for Nuance and Accountability

The allegations made by Rahul Gandhi in the wake of the 2024 Maharashtra elections add to a growing narrative of institutional distrust in Bharatiya politics. While his concerns about media partiality, administrative misuse, and voter manipulation should not be dismissed outright, they must be backed with rigorous evidence to hold weight in public discourse. Otherwise, such accusations risk becoming political noise—used more to justify electoral losses than to protect democratic norms.

The Election Commission, meanwhile, must continue to uphold transparency and be open to scrutiny. Independent audits, stronger voter education campaigns, and real-time grievance redressal mechanisms can help reinforce public confidence.

Bharat’s democracy thrives not just on free elections, but on the collective faith of its people in the process. It is that trust which political leaders—whether in power or opposition—must strive to nurture, not weaken.