In response to allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding irregularities in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Maharashtra Chief Electoral Office (CEO) has asserted that copies of the revised electoral rolls were indeed shared with the Indian National Congress (INC) and other recognized political parties. This statement follows Gandhi's accusations of "match-fixing" in the electoral process, which he outlined in a recent article.

The CEO's office clarified that electoral rolls are revised annually through a participatory exercise. As part of this process, copies of the rolls are shared with political parties at both the draft and final stages. This practice, according to the CEO, was followed in 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024, with the INC receiving copies of the electoral rolls during each of these revisions.

The Election Commission (EC) has also refuted Gandhi's allegations of "match-fixing," deeming them "completely absurd." The EC emphasized that the entire election process, including the preparation of electoral rolls, polling, and counting, is conducted by government staff in the presence of authorized representatives appointed by political parties and candidates. They further noted that no significant grievances were raised by the INC or other parties regarding the electoral rolls prior to the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Adding to the details, the EC advised Rahul Gandhi to download the voter rolls of the Maharashtra legislative elections from its website for free. The EC maintains that it shares details with recognized parties and refuted Gandhi's allegations of "match-fixing" in the electoral process.

Rahul Gandhi has welcomed the EC's decision to share electoral roll data since 2009, calling it a good first step. However, he has also requested a timeline for when the data will be made available in a digital format.

Gandhi had previously outlined a "step-by-step manipulation" of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, alleging the addition of fake voters to the roll and inflated voter turnout. The EC countered these claims, stating that the increase in voter turnout after 5 pm on polling day was within expected trends and that voting occurred in the presence of authorized polling agents from all parties.

The Election Commission has maintained that it could respond to Rahul Gandhi's claims only if he officially writes to it. According to sources, the EC had invited all six national parties for separate interactions, but Congress cancelled the May 15 meeting.