New Delhi, 14 Sept

Former chief election commissioner (CEC) SY Quraishi has criticised the Election Commission (EC) for its sharp response to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s “vote theft” charges, saying the poll body should have ordered a probe instead of using “objectionable and offensive” language.

In an interview with PTI ahead of his book launch, Quraishi said Gandhi’s description of alleged irregularities in electoral rolls as a “hydrogen bomb” was political rhetoric, but stressed that the issues raised needed detailed investigation. He argued that the EC should “appear to be fair” and not dismiss complaints, particularly from opposition leaders.

“Rahul Gandhi is not a man on the street. He is representing millions. To tell him to file an affidavit or face consequences is not the EC we knew,” Quraishi said. “The right approach was to order a probe, which they missed.”

The EC had earlier rejected allegations of manipulation in Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of rolls, saying the exercise was meant to cleanse voters’ lists. But Quraishi said the move was like “opening a Pandora’s box” and warned the poll body had “put its hand in a hornet’s nest” by discarding three decades of work in building accurate rolls.

He also expressed concern over excluding voter ID (EPIC) cards as valid proof for inclusion in the rolls, arguing it could cause major inconvenience within India and even affect cross-border travel with Nepal, where EPIC is an accepted document.

Quraishi, who served as CEC from 2010 to 2012, said the EC must work harder to build trust with opposition parties. “When I was in office, I always told my staff to give preference to the opposition because they are the underdogs,” he said. “The ruling party doesn’t need pampering, but the opposition must feel heard.”

Gandhi had alleged large-scale irregularities in Karnataka and Bihar, accusing the EC of colluding with the BJP to “steal votes.” The EC demanded an affidavit within seven days or said his claims would be invalid.

Quraishi said that while Gandhi’s rhetoric could be ignored, the underlying allegations required a serious probe to maintain public trust in India’s electoral system.