Rahul Gandhi has ignited a fresh controversy by alleging large-scale "vote theft," prompting responses from the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Gandhi's claims center around the deletion of voters, particularly from minority communities, in specific constituencies. He has directly accused the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of shielding those responsible for undermining democracy.

Gandhi's allegations include the claim that 6,018 votes were targeted for deletion in the Aland constituency of Karnataka through centralized software and phones operating outside the state. He argues that Dalits, Adivasis, and minorities are being systematically disenfranchised. He has referred to this "vote chori" as an "atom bomb on our democracy". In a press conference, Gandhi stated that the Karnataka CID had repeatedly requested information from the ECI regarding the deletions, but the ECI did not comply. He demanded the CEC release the data within a week.

The ECI has strongly refuted Gandhi's allegations, calling them "incorrect and baseless". The poll body clarified that online vote deletion by the public is impossible and that deletions require a hearing for the affected person. The ECI acknowledged attempts were made in 2023 to fraudulently delete voters in Aland, but stressed these were unsuccessful and that an FIR was filed to investigate the matter. The ECI also pointed out that in Aland, the Congress party won the seat in the 2023 elections.

The BJP has also countered Gandhi's claims, accusing him of making false allegations and blaming Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) whenever he loses elections. BJP MP Anurag Thakur stated that Congress is making excuses instead of taking accountability and is engaging in false allegations in connivance with opposition parties. Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Gandhi of spreading a false narrative. Some BJP leaders pointed out that the Congress candidate won the Aland seat in 2023, questioning the validity of Gandhi's claims of vote theft in that constituency. Thakur referred to Gandhi's press conference as a mere "phuljhari" (firecracker).

Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi suggested the ECI should have ordered a probe into Gandhi's charges instead of responding defensively. CPI leader D. Raja voiced support for Gandhi's claims, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also supported Gandhi, condemning the ECI over the allegations.

The controversy continues to unfold, with both sides presenting their arguments and evidence. The ECI maintains that its processes are secure and transparent, while Gandhi insists on a systematic effort to manipulate voter rolls.