New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) is set to hold a media briefing on Sunday, August 17, at 3 PM amid rising controversy over alleged vote theft in recent Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. The briefing comes after Congress leader and opposition head Rahul Gandhi accused the EC and the BJP of irregularities in voter lists across the country.
Rahul Gandhi has alleged large-scale manipulation of electoral rolls, claiming that over one lakh votes were allegedly stolen in Karnataka’s Mahadevpur constituency alone, with similar allegations emerging from Maharashtra and Haryana. His campaign has also targeted the removal of 6.5 million voters during the EC’s Special Integrated Revision (SIT) of Bihar’s voter list, triggering widespread debate.
The Election Commission of India to hold a press conference at 3 PM, August 17, 2025, at the National Media Centre in New Delhi: DG Media ECI pic.twitter.com/HA5bbt7UWx
— ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2025
The EC’s decision to hold a press conference outside its usual schedule, traditionally reserved for announcing election timetables, has drawn significant attention. Reports indicate that the EC has asked Rahul Gandhi to provide a written declaration supporting his allegations or issue an apology to the nation.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to launch his voter rights campaign in Bihar on the same day, and opposition parties have previously attempted rallies outside the EC office, which were dispersed by police. Social media platforms continue to see widespread discussion and criticism related to the alleged vote theft, prompting the EC to clarify its stance.