Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday for targeting Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi regarding his allegations of poll-rigging. He stated that rather than offering explanations, the election body is focusing on formalities such as an oath and an affidavit.

While participating in a protest march organized by Opposition MPs against the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar and the alleged “vote chori (theft),” Tharoor remarked, “What we seek are answers, not attacks.”

“Rahul Gandhi posed several significant questions to the Election Commission. These serious inquiries warrant serious responses. Instead of addressing these questions, the Election Commission is fixated on formalities like an oath,” he told.

“I genuinely believe there is no justification for this… They should not be insisting on it. Furthermore, the data that Rahulji references is sourced from the Election Commission itself, which can review its own data,” the former Union minister stated.

“It appears to me that rather than getting bogged down by formalities, they ought to tackle the serious concerns that have emerged in the public’s mind, as the integrity of the electoral system is credible, essential, and vital for our democracy. It is far too valuable for us to compromise,” Tharoor expressed.

“Thus, my firm belief is that questions have been raised and answers must be provided. That is the crux of the matter,” he added.

When asked about the EC’s criticism of Gandhi regarding his poll-rigging allegations, Tharoor reiterated, “What we seek are answers, not attacks.”

Later, in a social media update, the Congress leader stated, “At the INDIA bloc MPs’ protest today. We are all questioning why @ECISVEEP has failed to provide serious answers to the significant questions raised by @RahulGandhi, instead of insisting on formalities like an oath and an affidavit (especially when the data cited is all from the EC’s own records).”

The Election Commission has a strong interest in alleviating the concerns that voters have regarding the integrity and credibility of the electoral process. The identified flaws can be easily rectified, and responses can be provided to allay any fears regarding the manipulation of voting lists. The nation deserves a clear answer,” he stated.

Officials from the EC have been demanding a signed declaration from Gandhi to support his allegations.

On Thursday, Gandhi referenced data from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, asserting that over 100,000 votes were “stolen” due to five different types of manipulation in the Mahadevpura Assembly segment of the Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha constituency.