Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday welcomed the Election Commission’s (EC) reported decision to share electoral-roll data for Haryana and Maharashtra as “a good first step,” but demanded that the poll body announce a clear timeline for providing the information in a digital, machine-readable format.
Gandhi posted a screenshot of a media report on X, which claimed that the EC had agreed to share voter roll data for the two states spanning from 2009 to 2024. The report follows an assurance allegedly given by the EC to the Delhi High Court earlier this year. However, there has been no official confirmation from the EC regarding the move.
“Good first step taken by EC to hand over voter rolls,” Gandhi posted. “Can the EC please announce the exact date by which this data will be handed over in a digital, machine-readable format?”
Good first step taken by EC to hand over voter rolls.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 9, 2025
Can the EC please announce the exact date by which this data will be handed over in a digital, machine-readable format? pic.twitter.com/SbW3DrCapK
The Congress MP’s remarks come in the wake of escalating friction between his party and the Election Commission. After Gandhi wrote an article in The Indian Express alleging large-scale rigging in the 2023 Maharashtra Assembly elections and hinting at similar manipulation in future polls where the BJP risks losing, the EC sources responded that they would only address the matter if Gandhi writes directly to the Commission in his capacity as Leader of Opposition.
Sources also highlighted that the EC had invited all six national parties for individual meetings as part of its outreach efforts. While the other five parties participated, the Congress reportedly cancelled its scheduled May 15 meeting.
Doubling down, Gandhi hit back at the EC on Saturday, stating that silence would not salvage the poll body’s credibility and only transparency could. His article accused the EC of facilitating “match-fixing” in Maharashtra and warned that the same could occur in upcoming elections, including in Bihar.
With public trust in electoral integrity becoming an increasingly contentious issue, Gandhi’s challenge puts further pressure on the Election Commission to publicly clarify its stance and procedures.
