Government officials on Friday said that Rahul Gandhi‘s claim that President Droupadi Murmu had accepted the opposition’s allegations of electoral fraud was inaccurate, adding that it was “unfortunate” to involve the head of state in the dispute.
Government refutes opposition’s allegation
Sources close to the administration said the president did not endorse any statement about “vote theft” and that the opposition’s interpretation of the meeting was “incorrect.” The clarification came after a ten-member delegation from the INDIA bloc met Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan and submitted a memorandum demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
According to the delegation, the discussion lasted nearly an hour. Murmu is reported to have asked the group to furnish documentary proof of the alleged irregularities and assured them that she would review the material once received.
After leaving the presidential residence, Gandhi told reporters he was “shocked” that the president had not denied or questioned the opposition’s statements and that she had “accepted what we said.” He said the president asked the bloc to provide evidence of the alleged vote theft.
Gandhi also alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Commissioner Kumar were “conspiring against Indian democracy.” He added that the opposition was prepared to submit proof that “the evidence of vote theft is known to the entire country.”
In response, the government emphasized that the president’s request for evidence was a standard procedural step, not an endorsement of any claim.
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Opposition’s demands and actions
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said the president’s response was “positive,” noting that Murmu would investigate after receiving the evidence. She urged the president, as “the custodian of the Constitution,” to safeguard democracy.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge echoed the sentiment, stating that the president would consult relevant parties before deciding on any action. He reiterated the bloc’s call to replace electronic voting machines with paper ballots.
Before the meeting, members of the INDIA bloc marched from Parliament House toward Rashtrapati Bhavan carrying a large “Save Democracy” banner. Police halted the procession at Vijay Chowk, where several leaders staged a sit-in while the delegation continued.
Participants in the march included Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, and Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, among others. The protestors said they would keep the agitation alive until their demands were met.
The memorandum presented to the president listed three main demands: the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar, suspension of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, and restoration of the names of approximately 13.8 crore voters to the rolls.
Other members of the delegation were CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby, CPI leader D Raja, Samajwadi Party leader Rajeev Rai, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, RJD MP Manoj Jha and VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan.
Opposition leaders’ statements
Abhishek Banerjee, a Trinamool Congress MP, argued that dismissing the chief election commissioner would not alone settle the controversy. He called for criminal proceedings and safeguards to prevent a repeat of similar appointments in the future.
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Rajeev Shukla, a senior Congress figure, said the bloc is reaching out peacefully to inform citizens about alleged electoral malpractice. He claimed the election commission is removing votes to favor the ruling party and noted that public awareness is growing nationwide.
Pawan Khera, another opposition spokesperson, emphasized that the ten-member delegation will submit the requested documentation and that the peaceful protest will continue until the demands are satisfied. He reiterated calls for the resignation of the chief election commissioner and the suspension of the ongoing intensive roll revision.
Legal and procedural backdrop
The bloc has signaled intent to approach the Supreme Court with its memorandum, seeking judicial intervention over the alleged irregularities. The plan includes filing petitions that question the legality of the Special Intensive Revision process.
The election commission responded that differing views among its members are normal and that its orders follow established statutory procedures. It maintained that all actions taken are within the framework of existing laws.
Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc has organized a series of rallies and “Save Democracy” marches across several states. These events are part of a joint action plan aimed at intensifying pressure on the election commission and the government.
Additional statements from opposition participants highlighted accusations that the poll body facilitated the deletion of legitimate voters’ names. They demanded accountability and a transparent review of the electoral roll management process.