The Election Commission, through Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, issued a sharp ultimatum to Rahul Gandhi following his explosive “vote chori” (vote theft) allegations. Gandhi had asserted over 1 lakh fraudulent votes and multiple voter roll irregularities, notably from Karnataka's Mahadevapura constituency.

In a press briefing, Kumar warned that such accusations are an affront to India’s 90 crore-strong valid electorate. Gandhi was given two clear options: submit a sworn affidavit with evidence within seven days or apologise to the nation. Failure to comply would underline the claims as baseless.

This demand follows prior notices from Chief Electoral Officers in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Haryana, who had called on Gandhi to back his claims with documentation including voter details and roll numbers under Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.

Meanwhile, Gandhi has launched his 16-day Voter Adhikar Yatra across Bihar, aiming to spotlight alleged electoral disenfranchisement amid revisions in voter lists.

As tensions simmer, the EC’s ultimatum raises the stakes urging accountability in public discourse and reinforcing formal procedures in election-related grievances.