Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah orders probe into Rahul Gandhi's ‘vote theft’ allegations ahead of BBMP Polls

Karnataka CM orders probe into vote rigging allegations for 2024 Lok Sabha elections after Rahul Gandhi's claims.

Published on: Aug 10, 2025, 16:09:34 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed the state’s Law Department to investigate allegations of vote rigging in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, following Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s explosive claims of “choreographed” polls to favour the BJP. The probe, Siddaramaiah said, will be completed before the upcoming Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) elections.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah. (PTI)

Also Read - Bengaluru cop suspended after thief in custody wears his uniform during video call to impress wife

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, the Chief Minister confirmed that the Advocate General will be tasked with conducting the inquiry and submitting a report at the earliest. “Legal action will be taken based on the recommendations,” he assured.

The move comes a day after Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, alleged massive electoral malpractice in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura constituency. At an August 7 press conference, Gandhi claimed that the BJP’s Lok Sabha victory in the state was aided by “vote theft” involving over 1,00,000 votes. Citing Congress’s internal analysis, he said the party had expected to win 16 seats in Karnataka but secured only nine. Seven “unexpected” defeats were examined, with Mahadevapura flagged as the most glaring case.

Also Read - Traffic curbs announced ahead of PM Modi's visit to Bengaluru for Namma Metro Yellow Line launch: Report

According to Gandhi, data from the Election Commission showed that the BJP polled 2,29,632 votes in Mahadevapura, compared to Congress’s 1,15,586 — despite the Congress leading in all other Assembly segments under the parliamentary constituency. “The BJP’s margin in the Lok Sabha seat was 32,707, but this one segment changed the entire result,” he alleged.

Karnataka Minister G. Parameshwara also announced that the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) will file a formal complaint with the State Election Commission, while Rahul Gandhi will take the matter up with the Central Election Commission. “There is a difference in the voter list, and the commission must accept this,” Parameshwara insisted, adding that the EC has sought documents on the allegations.

(With PTI inputs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest City News, local updates, weather alerts and breaking stories from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other major cities across India on Hindustan Times.