Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday once again accused the Election Commission of “match-fixing” the recently concluded elections, calling the decision to delete CCTV footage 45 days after polls a deliberate attempt to erase evidence of rigging.
Gandhi expressed deep concern over the integrity of the electoral process, stating that destroying such footage undermines transparency and raises suspicions. “A fixed election is poison for democracy,” he wrote in a post on X.
“Voter list? Will not give machine-readable format. CCTV footage? Hidden by changing the law. Election photos and videos? Now they will be deleted in 45 days, not 1 year. The one who was supposed to provide answers – is the one deleting the evidence,” the LoP wrote on X.
His criticism came in response to an EC directive asking state officers to erase CCTV and webcasting footage 45 days after the completion of elections, unless a legal challenge is raised within that period. The Commission cited the potential for misuse of video data as its rationale for the move. Gandhi’s statement marks a continued campaign by the Opposition against alleged irregularities in the electoral process.
Rahul Gandhi with party leaders
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s return to Hyderabad from New Delhi on Friday, following yet another instance of not meeting Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, has triggered considerable speculation among party leaders and political observers. Reddy’s visit to the capital on Thursday included meetings with Union Ministers, coinciding with elaborate celebrations for Rahul Gandhi’s birthday.
The apparent cold shoulder from the Congress high command to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy intensified after he departed New Delhi without meeting Rahul Gandhi, despite being in the capital for Gandhi’s birthday celebrations. While other senior leaders managed to greet Rahul Gandhi, Reddy’s inability to secure an appointment, especially after discussing cabinet issues on June 10, has left his followers disheartened and ignited political whispers.
