Quick Summary
- Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot questioned the neutrality of the Election Commission (EC) on August 8,2025.
- Mr. Gehlot criticized the ECS request for Rahul Gandhi to submit an affidavit under oath regarding allegations of electoral fraud in Karnataka.
- at a press conference in Jaipur, Mr. Gehlot termed the EC’s demand “absurd” and called for a fair investigation instead.
- He accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of damaging democratic institutions and alleged that democracy was at risk due to perceived collusion between the EC and BJP.
- Mr. Gandhi’s claims about electoral fraud in Maharashtra and Karnataka were endorsed by Mr. Gehlot as “absolutely correct.”
- Allegations of election result manipulation through “rigging and money power” were raised against BJP by Mr. gehlot.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Ashok Gehlot’s statements highlight growing political tensions over institutional credibility in India amid allegations against key democratic systems like the Election Commission (EC). The criticism stems from procedural moves such as asking Rahul Gandhi for an affidavit while concerns over alleged electoral manipulation remain unaddressed publicly by independent investigations. This event underscores broader debates about institutional independence versus political influence, which could impact both voter trust and India’s democratic fabric considerably if left unresolved.
Read More: The Hindu Article