New Delhi: Former chief election commissioner S Y Quraishi on Sunday criticised the Election Commission (EC) for its response to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s “vote theft” allegations, saying the poll body should have ordered an inquiry instead of responding in a “shouting” manner with “objectionable and offensive” language.
Speaking to PTI ahead of the release of his new book Democracy’s Heartland, Quraishi said that while Gandhi’s references—such as calling the allegations a “hydrogen bomb”—were political rhetoric, the issues raised were serious enough to merit investigation.
He also questioned the way the EC conducted the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, warning that it had “opened a Pandora’s box” and “put its hand in a hornet’s nest” that would damage its credibility.
“As someone who has been part of building that institution, it pains me to see it under attack. The EC must introspect and resist external pressures to preserve its integrity. It has to win the confidence of the people, especially the opposition, which has a greater need for assurance,” Quraishi said.
Recalling his own tenure as CEC (2010–2012), he said he always gave priority to opposition parties, ensuring their concerns were heard immediately. “The ruling party doesn’t need as much attention; the opposition does. But today, opposition leaders are forced to approach the Supreme Court because the EC won’t even grant them meetings,” he noted.
Quraishi argued that instead of demanding an affidavit from Gandhi, the EC should have initiated an inquiry into his claims. “Rahul Gandhi is not just any individual—he is the Leader of Opposition representing millions. Telling him to file an affidavit in threatening tones is unbecoming of the EC,” he said, adding that the Commission had “missed an opportunity” to appear fair.
His comments follow CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s statement last month that Gandhi’s “vote theft” charges would be invalid unless backed by a sworn declaration. Gandhi had cited alleged irregularities in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura constituency and carried out a ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar, accusing the EC of colluding with the BJP.
