Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday dismissed Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of discrepancies in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, calling them a desperate “cover fire” ahead of the Delhi election results.
Rahul Gandhi, flanked by NCP-SCP leader Supriya Sule and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, had alleged that 39 lakh voters were added to Maharashtra’s electoral rolls within just five months, questioning the credibility of the electoral process. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, he claimed that the voter registration numbers had exceeded the state’s total adult population, raising concerns of large-scale manipulation.
However, Fadnavis was quick to dismiss the allegations, asserting that the Election Commission had already addressed these concerns. Taking a swipe at Gandhi, the Maharashtra CM posted on X (formerly Twitter),
“When the same joke is told over and over again, you don’t laugh at it! #RahulGandhi.”
‘Desperation Before Defeat’ – Fadnavis’ Counterattack
Fadnavis suggested that Gandhi’s claims were a preemptive move to divert attention from an anticipated defeat in the February 8 Delhi Assembly polls. “He knows what’s coming, so he’s just trying to shift the narrative,” Fadnavis said.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) also responded to the controversy, stating,
“The ECI values inputs from political parties and will provide a full factual and procedural response to their concerns.”
Despite the EC’s clarification, Gandhi remained adamant, demanding that the voter lists of both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections be made public. “We want to see the names and addresses of these 39 lakh voters. Who are they?” he questioned.
With both sides standing firm, the electoral controversy in Maharashtra has turned into a high-voltage political showdown, with Rahul Gandhi’s allegations and Fadnavis’ sharp rebuttal setting the stage for an intense political battle.