Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has made explosive claims alleging that the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections were “match-fixed” by the BJP through large-scale electoral manipulation. In a detailed exposé, Gandhi outlined a five-step strategy involving rigged Election Commission appointments, fake voter roll inflation, manipulated turnout numbers, targeted bogus voting in key constituencies, and systematic concealment of evidence. He warned that this alleged rigging playbook threatens democratic institutions and may soon be replicated in other states like Bihar. Gandhi called on citizens to demand transparency, stating that “match-fixed elections are a poison for any democracy.”
New Delhi, June 7, 2025 — Congress MP and senior leader Rahul Gandhi has ignited a national debate after alleging that the 2024 Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha elections were manipulated using a “match-fixing” model by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Gandhi’s explosive remarks, first posted on X (formerly Twitter) and elaborated through a detailed article in The Indian Express, have stirred concerns about electoral integrity and the independence of democratic institutions in India.
“Match-Fixed Elections Are a Poison for Democracy”: Rahul Gandhi
In his viral social media post titled “How to Steal an Election?”, Rahul Gandhi outlined what he described as a five-step blueprint allegedly employed by the BJP to secure an unfair advantage in the November 2024 Maharashtra state elections.
He likened the process to match-fixing in sports, suggesting that such manipulation could lead to short-term wins but inflict long-term damage on democratic institutions.
“The side that cheats might win the game, but damages institutions and destroys public faith in the result,” Gandhi wrote.
“Match-fixed elections are a poison for any democracy.”
Step-by-Step Allegations of Electoral Manipulation
1. Election Commission Appointment Panel ‘Rigged’
Rahul Gandhi’s first allegation focused on the 2023 Election Commissioners Appointment Act, which allowed the Prime Minister and Home Minister to dominate the selection process for Election Commissioners. The removal of the Chief Justice of India from the panel, replaced by a cabinet minister, raised concerns about institutional neutrality.
“Why would someone remove a neutral umpire in a democratic contest? The answer is obvious,” said Gandhi.
2. Suspicious Surge in Voter Registrations
Gandhi cited Election Commission data showing that Maharashtra’s registered voters jumped from 9.29 crore (May 2024 Lok Sabha elections) to 9.70 crore by November 2024 — a gain of over 41 lakh voters in just five months. Notably, this number exceeded the adult population estimate of 9.54 crore, raising questions about the validity of the voter rolls.
3. Inflated Turnout Figures Raise Eyebrows
On polling day, voter turnout at 5 PM was recorded at 58.22%, yet the final turnout announced the next morning was 66.05%, an increase of 76 lakh votes. Gandhi questioned how such a large number of votes were cast without any reports of extended voting hours or long queues.
“How did an 8% rise in turnout happen after voting officially closed?” he asked.
4. Booth-Level Targeting in Key BJP Battlegrounds
According to the Congress leader, over 600 extra votes were recorded post-5 PM at nearly 12,000 booths in 85 constituencies where the BJP had underperformed earlier. He cited the Kamthi constituency as an example, where the BJP’s vote count jumped dramatically by 56,000 votes, aided by a sudden increase of 35,000 new voters.
“This isn’t random. It’s pinpointed rigging where BJP needed it most,” Gandhi claimed.
5. Evidence Concealed After High Court Orders
Gandhi accused the Centre and the Election Commission of deliberately amending the Conduct of Election Rules (1961) to restrict access to CCTV footage and electronic voting records, especially after a High Court order demanded transparency. He called this a “cover-up”, alleging that these restrictions were meant to suppress evidence of bogus voting and booth-level manipulation.
Congress Demands Transparency, BJP Dismisses Allegations
The Congress party has called for an independent investigation and public access to electoral records. Several Opposition parties, including AAP and Trinamool Congress, have backed Gandhi’s demand for electoral transparency.
In contrast, BJP spokespersons have dismissed the accusations as “conspiracy theories” and “an excuse to cover up electoral defeat.”
Public and Legal Reactions on Match-Fixed Elections
The hashtag #MatchFixedDemocracy trended widely on X, with users sharing instances of voter ID mismatches, deletion of names, and fake entries. Legal experts have warned that the 2023 Act may face constitutional scrutiny for undermining the autonomy of the Election Commission.
“Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of a democracy. Manipulating electoral data strikes at the heart of the Constitution,” said senior advocate Indira Jaising.
Will This Alleged Playbook Be Used in Other States?
Rahul Gandhi ended his article with a stark warning — that the “match-fixing model” used in Maharashtra may soon be replicated in states like Bihar, where BJP faces electoral challenges. He urged citizens to examine the facts for themselves and demand electoral accountability.
Conclusion: A Test for Indian Democracy
The allegations of match-fixed elections in Maharashtra go beyond routine political accusations. If proven, they could shake the very foundations of India’s electoral system. Whether this triggers reform, investigation, or public apathy remains to be seen. But for now, the credibility of India’s democratic institutions is facing one of its most serious tests.
