Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has sharply criticized Rahul Gandhi for making voter fraud claims, accusing the Congress leader of misleading the public and disrespecting democratic institutions.

In response to Rahul Gandhi’s recent allegations of large-scale voter list manipulation and fraudulent entries in Maharashtra, Fadnavis held a press conference where he categorically denied any wrongdoing by the administration or the Election Commission. He called Gandhi’s remarks “baseless, irresponsible, and politically motivated.”

Fadnavis accused the Congress party of making such statements out of frustration over dwindling public support, and emphasized that the Election Commission operates independently. “The Congress should stop undermining institutions for their political agenda,” he said.

The controversy began after Rahul Gandhi, during a rally in Maharashtra, alleged that names were being deliberately removed from voter lists and that false entries were being added in favour of the ruling alliance. He also claimed that citizens’ democratic rights were under threat and demanded an investigation.

Fadnavis responded strongly, saying that every voter list revision undergoes due process and public scrutiny. “If Rahul Gandhi has proof, he should submit it to the Election Commission instead of making dramatic statements from a stage,” he said.

Political analysts suggest this is part of the larger narrative building up ahead of the upcoming state and national elections. The exchange reflects the intensifying battle between BJP and Congress in Maharashtra, a state crucial to both parties’ electoral strategies.

As the war of words escalates, the Election Commission has not issued an official statement yet, though insiders suggest that the matter is being taken seriously and any concrete complaint will be reviewed under standard procedure.