New Delhi | January 17, 2026
As early trends in the Maharashtra civic body elections showed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) taking a strong lead across 29 municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the Election Commission, alleging that it is “misleading the public.”
Gandhi, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, posted a sharp statement on social media platform X on Thursday. He shared screenshots from various newspapers raising questions about reports that indelible ink applied on voters’ fingers during polling was allegedly wiping off easily.
Calling the issue a serious concern, Gandhi said the incident reflects a decline in public trust in democratic processes. He asserted that the Election Commission’s handling of the polling and its communication with citizens was contributing to confusion and distrust.
Gandhi wrote that the alleged mismanagement “weakens faith in democracy” and warned that any attempt at “vote theft” would be an anti-national act.
The Election Commission has not yet responded to the allegations. Meanwhile, counting of votes continues across Maharashtra, with the BJP maintaining an early edge in multiple civic bodies.
