Rahul Gandhi Criticises Election Commission Over Maharashtra Row
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has once again hit out at the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing it of mishandling the political situation in Maharashtra. Speaking during a press interaction, Gandhi said the poll body had “openly shown something wrong” in the way it handled the dispute over the Shiv Sena party symbol and name between rival factions led by Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde.
He alleged that the Commission acted in a partisan manner and failed in its constitutional duty to remain neutral. “Everyone in Maharashtra knows what happened. The Election Commission showed clearly which side it was supporting,” Gandhi remarked, without naming either faction directly.
Says Institutions Are Being Misused
Gandhi broadened his criticism to include other institutions, claiming that many are being systematically undermined. “What is happening is the capture of every democratic institution in India. Be it the judiciary, the media, or the Election Commission, everything is being controlled,” he said.
The Congress MP added that the current political climate does not allow for fair competition, and accused the ruling establishment of weakening democratic structures for its own benefit.
ECI Yet to Respond to Allegations
The Election Commission has not officially responded to Gandhi’s latest comments. In the past, it has maintained that decisions regarding party symbols and leadership recognition are made based on majority support within the party’s organisational structure and legislative wing.
The controversy over the Shiv Sena name and symbol began in 2022 when the party split, leading to a legal and political battle. Earlier this year, the ECI ruled in favour of the Eknath Shinde faction, allowing it to retain the original party name and symbol, a move that drew sharp criticism from the Uddhav Thackeray-led group.
Rahul Gandhi’s comments have revived the debate around institutional impartiality, especially in the lead-up to state and national elections.
