“Coming to Press and Lying Raises a Question Mark”: SP’s Dimple Yadav Slams CEC on Rahul Gandhi Vote Allegations

New Delhi: Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav on Monday strongly reacted to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar’s remarks concerning Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Speaking to the media, Dimple Yadav said, “I don’t think there is any question of apologising because if the LoP feels that votes are being stolen, then the Election Commission should come forward with evidence to prove that it is not happening.”

Dimple Yadav also highlighted efforts by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav to substantiate claims of voter suppression. “Akhilesh Yadav has provided affidavits of 18,000 voters whose names were removed or who could not vote due to the Election Commission’s shortcomings. So despite these affidavits, coming to the press and denying the issue raises a question mark in itself,” she added.

Her comments come amid mounting political tension over allegations of vote manipulation in Bihar and other states, as Congress leaders continue their Voter Adhikar Yatra. The opposition is demanding transparency from the Election Commission, claiming that the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) of electoral rolls has created anomalies affecting voter participation, particularly among marginalized communities.

The CEC’s statement asking Rahul Gandhi to either provide evidence via an affidavit or apologise has drawn criticism from several opposition leaders, who argue that the burden of proof lies with the Election Commission itself to ensure free and fair elections.