The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Association has strongly condemned online trolling of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s family after opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, alleged ‘vote theft’ during elections. The association expressed concern over unwarranted criticism directed at the family members, who themselves are respected civil servants, and emphasized the importance of maintaining dignity and integrity in public service.

The CEC’s family, particularly his daughters, have faced targeted trolling on social media. Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988 batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, retired as secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation in January 2024 and was appointed Election Commissioner two months later. He assumed charge as Chief Election Commissioner in February this year.

Alleging irregularities in Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision and a Karnataka constituency during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Election Commission engaged in ‘vote theft’ to benefit the BJP. Other opposition parties echoed these allegations, which the Election Commission and Mr. Kumar have categorically denied.

In response, Mr. Kumar stated in a press conference that Gandhi should either submit an affidavit supporting his claims or apologize. He added that with over one crore officials, 10 lakh booth-level agents, and 20 lakh polling agents working during Lok Sabha elections, it is impossible to manipulate votes in such a transparent system. Allegations of double voting were raised but lacked supporting evidence. Mr. Kumar asserted that such claims neither intimidate the Election Commission nor the voters.