New Delhi [India], August 21 (HBTV): The Haryana Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has written to Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, asking him to return a signed declaration within ten days in connection with his allegations of ineligible electors being included and eligible electors being excluded from the state’s electoral rolls.

“This is to draw your kind attention to this office communication dated August 9, 2025, referring to the statements made by you during the press conference held on August 7, 2025, pertaining to the alleged inclusion of ineligible electors and exclusion of eligible electors in the Electoral Rolls of Haryana,” the Election Commission of India (ECI) said in its letter.

The CEO stated that Gandhi was earlier requested to furnish details of the electors concerned, along with a duly signed Declaration/Oath under Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. “It is requested that the signed Declaration/Oath be returned to this office within ten (10) days so that necessary proceedings may be initiated in accordance with the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960,” the letter read.

The development comes after Gandhi, in an August 7 press conference, cited internal analysis and claimed that the Congress expected to win 16 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka but secured only nine. He said the party investigated seven unexpected losses, focusing on Mahadevapura, where he alleged “vote chori” (vote theft) of 1,00,250 votes.

Following his remarks, the Election Commission again asked the Congress MP to either submit a declaration as required under the rules or apologise to the nation for what it termed “false allegations” regarding voter lists.

“Rahul Gandhi should either give a declaration as per the rules or apologise to the country for his false allegations,” the ECI stated.

(ANI)