In a blistering attack on the Election Commission of India, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the poll body of misleading the public amid the ongoing controversy over indelible ink used in elections. Speaking at a public rally, Gandhi claimed that the ECI is deliberately confusing voters by downplaying serious allegations about the ink’s reliability.
The controversy erupted when reports surfaced questioning the effectiveness of the indelible ink, with some voters allegedly able to remove it easily using simple chemicals. Rahul Gandhi seized the opportunity to launch a sharp critique, stating, ‘The Election Commission is trying to mislead the people. They are protecting those who are tampering with democracy.’ He further alleged that the ECI’s refusal to address the issue transparently was eroding public trust in the electoral process.
BJP leaders wasted no time in countering Gandhi’s charges. Senior BJP spokesperson highlighted the Congress’s history of questioning electoral integrity only when they lose. ‘Rahul Gandhi’s baseless accusations are a desperate attempt to deflect from Congress’s repeated poll defeats,’ the spokesperson said. The BJP also pointed out that the indelible ink has been used successfully for decades without major issues.
This exchange comes at a time when India is gearing up for crucial state elections. The ink controversy has sparked debates on electoral safeguards, with opposition parties demanding an independent probe. Experts suggest that while isolated incidents occur, the overall system remains robust. However, Gandhi’s rhetoric has reignited calls for electoral reforms, putting the ECI under renewed scrutiny.
As political tempers flare, voters are watching closely. Will the ECI respond with concrete action, or will this remain another chapter in India’s polarized political discourse? The coming days will reveal if this spat influences public opinion ahead of the polls.