New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has firmly rejected Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s demand to publicly release CCTV footage from polling stations, citing significant privacy and legal concerns. The move comes amid Gandhi’s persistent accusations of electoral tampering during the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, where the BJP-led alliance emerged victorious.
Rahul Gandhi had urged the ECI to release evening polling booth footage and voter lists from both Lok Sabha and state elections, alleging large-scale irregularities. However, the Commission warned that making such footage public could lead to voter identification, which might trigger targeted harassment, intimidation, or discrimination—undermining voter confidence and democratic norms.
The ECI emphasized that public access to such footage could be misused for anti-democratic purposes and would infringe upon voters’ right to privacy.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi claimed the alleged manipulation in Maharashtra could soon be replicated in Bihar and other opposition-leaning states. He termed these alleged “match-fixed elections” a grave threat to Indian democracy.
He further condemned the Centre’s decision to replace the Chief Justice of India with a Cabinet Minister on the committee that appoints Election Commissioners, calling it a blow to democratic integrity. Gandhi also accused the ECI of either staying silent on opposition concerns or responding with hostility.
