The Maharashtra Assembly elections held in November 2024 have been thrust into controversy following allegations by Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and senior Congress leader. On June 6, 2025, Gandhi publicly accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of rigging the elections through a calculated five-step process designed to manipulate electoral outcomes in their favour.

In a detailed post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi attached an article he authored that elaborates on the alleged rigging blueprint. Gandhi claims that the BJP used systemic tactics involving manipulation of the Election Commission panel, addition of fake voters, artificial inflation of voter turnout, targeted bogus voting in key constituencies, and the concealment of evidence to secure a landslide victory in Maharashtra.

The five steps outlined by Rahul Gandhi are as follows:

1. Rig the panel for appointing the Election Commission – Alleging undue influence to control the body responsible for free and fair elections.

2. Add fake voters to the electoral roll – Inflating voter lists with bogus names to skew results.

3. Inflate voter turnout – Artificially raising turnout figures to boost the legitimacy of the results.

4. Target bogus voting exactly where BJP needs to win – Strategic manipulation in specific constituencies critical for BJP’s win.

5. Hide the evidence – Concealing any proof of electoral malpractice to avoid accountability.

Rahul Gandhi described this rigging as “match-fixing,” emphasizing that while such tactics may win elections, they severely damage democratic institutions and erode public trust in electoral outcomes. He warned that this model of electoral manipulation, seen in Maharashtra, could be replicated in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections and elsewhere where BJP faces electoral challenges.

The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections concluded with a resounding victory for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which secured 235 seats. The BJP alone emerged as the largest single party with 132 seats, while allies Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party also improved their tallies. Conversely, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition suffered major losses, with Congress winning just 16 seats and its allies faring poorly.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) responded swiftly to the allegations, clarifying procedural details related to voter turnout aggregation. The Commission explained that increases in voter turnout figures during counting hours are routine and genuine. It dismissed claims of irregularities such as arbitrary addition or deletion of voters, emphasizing that official turnout figures are recorded in statutory Form 17C, shared with all candidates’ polling agents at each polling station, ensuring transparency.

Despite ECI’s rebuttal, Rahul Gandhi’s accusations have intensified political debates about the integrity of electoral processes in India. His charges highlight broader concerns about institutional independence, electoral fairness, and the safeguarding of democratic values.

As the Bihar Assembly elections approach later this year, political observers and stakeholders remain alert to the possibility of similar challenges to electoral integrity. Rahul Gandhi’s warnings serve as a call for vigilance, transparency, and accountability to protect the democratic process from manipulation and ensure free and fair elections across the country.

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