Election Commission says opposition leaders must communicate through official letters, not public accusations; response will follow formal procedures only.
In a strong and unambiguous response to recent allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has made it clear that it will not respond to public rhetoric or media statements. Instead, it has asked opposition leaders to formally communicate their grievances through official channels if they expect a response from the constitutional body.
The controversy began when Rahul Gandhi, during recent public addresses and press conferences, accused the Election Commission of being biased and unresponsive to the concerns raised by opposition parties. He alleged that the EC was not taking adequate action on complaints related to alleged violations by ruling party candidates, and that it was favoring the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by ignoring major infractions during the ongoing election period.
Gandhi’s remarks came in the backdrop of multiple phases of the Lok Sabha elections, where the Congress and other opposition parties have expressed repeated dissatisfaction with the EC’s actions and oversight. His comments were echoed by several other opposition leaders, including those from the INDIA bloc, who questioned the neutrality of the Commission.
In response, the Election Commission issued a firm statement. Without naming Rahul Gandhi directly, the EC said it has a “consistent and established protocol” for dealing with political parties and leaders regarding electoral complaints. “We urge all political parties and leaders to follow due institutional processes and submit formal representations in writing. Responses and actions can be taken only when matters are officially communicated,” said a senior EC official.
The statement added that public speeches or media comments do not constitute a legitimate form of correspondence. “The Commission functions as a constitutional authority, not as a platform for public debate. Any allegations or demands must be backed by documentary communication to allow us to assess and act accordingly,” the EC clarified.
According to officials, the EC has received hundreds of formal complaints from political parties throughout the election process. Each of these complaints is documented, reviewed, and processed according to the law. The Commission stressed that it cannot operate on the basis of media narratives or politically motivated statements unless formal submissions are made.
Sources within the EC also noted that some opposition leaders had indeed submitted letters and formal complaints in earlier phases of the election, and appropriate action had been taken in many of those cases. However, in the instances where no formal complaint has been received, the Commission stated it is under no obligation to respond.
The EC further reminded all stakeholders that it remains committed to free and fair elections and acts within the mandate given to it under the Constitution of India and the Representation of the People Act. It also appealed to all political parties to respect the sanctity of democratic institutions and avoid undermining them through baseless or informal accusations.
The Congress, meanwhile, has not yet issued a formal response to the EC’s latest remarks. However, several leaders from the party expressed disappointment, saying that the Commission should be more proactive and transparent in dealing with public concerns, especially those raised by national leaders.
Opposition parties have increasingly accused the EC of inaction over issues such as hate speech, the misuse of government machinery, and the violation of the Model Code of Conduct. In some states, opposition leaders have also claimed that complaints related to voter intimidation, polling irregularities, and EVM malfunctions were ignored or insufficiently addressed.
Political analysts say that the EC’s firm stand is intended to preserve its institutional independence and prevent political parties from turning it into a media battlefield. “The EC must protect its credibility, and it cannot appear to be swayed by who shouts the loudest. Its insistence on formal procedure is correct, though it must also ensure it’s responsive when complaints are properly filed,” said a constitutional expert.
As the country moves toward the final phases of polling, the exchange highlights the growing tension between institutions and political parties in the high-stakes election season. The Election Commission has reiterated that its primary objective remains to conduct elections that are free, fair, and transparent, and that all parties are expected to engage in the process respectfully and responsibly.
Whether Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders will now take the formal route to communicate their concerns remains to be seen. But for now, the EC has drawn a clear line: unless grievances are submitted through proper channels, they will not merit a response.