Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 8: A fierce political battle has erupted in Maharashtra after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi alleged “match-fixing” in the recent Assembly elections. His accusation, made through an op-ed in a national daily, triggered a sharp backlash from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who accused Gandhi of misleading the public after the Congress party’s dismal electoral showing.

In his article published in a Marathi newspaper, Fadnavis retorted, “The one whom the people reject, rejects the people’s mandate,” and accused Gandhi of deliberately confusing voters. “If you cannot convince them, then confuse them — that’s Rahul Gandhi’s policy,” the Chief Minister declared.

Gandhi’s article questioned the integrity of the Maharashtra elections, accusing the Election Commission of failing in its duty. The Congress leader’s concerns were echoed by his party colleagues, who alleged irregularities in voter turnout. Maharashtra Congress leader Nana Patole claimed that a staggering 46 lakh additional votes were added after polling ended, calling the legitimacy of the count into question.

“The Election Commission has denied us access to crucial CCTV footage and failed to provide transparency. They have become complicit in murdering democracy,” Patole said, noting that the party has approached the Supreme Court for intervention.

State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal criticized Fadnavis’s involvement, saying, “Why is the Chief Minister responding when these are questions for the Election Commission? Rahul Gandhi has raised facts that need judicial scrutiny.”

Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe also expressed skepticism about official explanations. “We asked how 67 lakh votes could be added after 5 p.m., but the official reply mentions only 16 lakh. If so many votes were cast late, who verified them, and how?”

Londhe further raised concerns about constitutional changes, pointing out that the Union Home Minister now sits on the Election Commission’s selection panel instead of the Chief Justice, weakening the role of the Leader of Opposition.

NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule defended Gandhi’s article, describing it as a reflection of his frustration at being ignored by the Election Commission despite repeated letters seeking clarity. “In a democracy, everyone has the right to express their concerns. Rahul Gandhi has simply not received a response from the Election Commission,” Sule said.

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Ram Kadam staunchly defended the EC and the state government, noting that Fadnavis had presented electoral data showing consistent growth in voter share and registration from 2009 to 2024.

“Rahul Gandhi’s objections stem from incomplete knowledge. If he has proof, he should present it to the nation instead of misleading people every time he loses. That’s immature,” Kadam said.

JD-U leader K.C. Tyagi echoed this sentiment, advising Gandhi to formally meet with the Election Commission instead of writing articles.

The controversy erupted after the November 20 elections, where the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance — comprising the Congress, Sharad Pawar’s faction of the NCP, and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena — secured only 46 out of 288 seats. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance swept the state, winning 235 seats, with the BJP alone notching a record 132.

The political sparring shows no signs of abating as both camps double down on their narratives, turning the spotlight on electoral transparency and governance in the state.