Top News

Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Election Commission for Reducing Poll Footage Retention Period

Gyanhigyan english | June 21, 2025 11:39 PM CST

Gandhi's Accusations Against the Election Commission

On Saturday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed strong criticism towards the Election Commission, accusing it of “destroying evidence” rather than ensuring transparency. This statement followed the commission's decision to shorten the retention period for video footage and photographs from polling stations to just 45 days.

In a post on social media, Gandhi, who serves as the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, stated, “It is evident – the match is fixed. A manipulated election is detrimental to democracy.”

The Election Commission had issued a notice to state chief electoral officers on May 30, indicating that video and photographic evidence from polling stations could be deleted after 45 days unless an election petition is filed. This petition typically challenges the election results of a candidate.

The commission justified its decision by citing the “recent misuse of this content by non-contestants to spread misinformation and harmful narratives on social media.”

Gandhi has been persistently requesting access to voter lists, polling data, and election footage, alleging irregularities during the Maharashtra Assembly elections held in November.

In a June 7 article published in a prominent newspaper, he reiterated claims of “match-fixing” in the Maharashtra elections, asserting that there was “industrial-scale rigging” involving the manipulation of national institutions.

In response, the Election Commission dismissed Gandhi's allegations as “completely absurd,” emphasizing that the election process, including the creation of electoral rolls, occurs under the supervision of representatives from political parties.

Earlier in February, the Congress party urged the Election Commission to clarify how the number of registered voters (9.7 crore) for the Maharashtra Assembly elections exceeded the state's adult population (9.5 crore).

Gandhi also questioned why there was a significant increase in the number of voters added to the electoral rolls between the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections compared to the previous five years.

The Election Commission stated that attempts to tarnish its reputation by parties receiving unfavorable electoral outcomes were “completely absurd.”