Fadnavis Dismisses Leaders’ Claims of Poll-Rigging Offers

Quick Summary

• Maharashtra chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed surprise that Opposition leaders allegedly approached by individuals offering to influence elections did not file complaints with the police or Election Commission.
• NCP (Sharad Pawar) supremo Sharad Pawar claimed two individuals guaranteed the Opposition’s victory in 160 of 288 seats before the 2024 Maharashtra assembly polls and introduced them to Rahul Gandhi, who reportedly advised against pursuing such matters.
• Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut shared a similar account, alleging promises of ensuring victory through EVM manipulation in tricky constituencies.
• Fadnavis dismissed these claims as fabricated stories and defended EVMs, stating when political parties were invited to demonstrate how they could be hacked, no one stepped forward.
• Fadnavis criticized the Opposition for “insulting the mandate” given to his Mahayuti government during the November 2024 assembly polls where BJP-led coalition won a decisive victory: BJP secured 132 seats, Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 57 seats, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP got 41.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Allegations of election manipulation raise significant questions about democratic processes and integrity. However, Chief Minister Fadnavis’s assertion highlights a gap-claims without formal complaints could risk undermining public trust while political accountability remains absent. The fact that opposition leaders did not escalate their concerns through official channels weakens their credibility on this matter.

The narrative around EVM reliability showcases political contestation over electoral outcomes but remains speculative without actionable evidence. With India’s robust electoral framework relying heavily on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), reinforcing transparency while addressing vulnerabilities must remain paramount to prevent erosion of confidence in democratic institutions.

The Mahayuti coalition’s significant win in November 2024 validates its voter appeal; however, lingering skepticism over electoral processes demonstrates continued polarization between governing factions and Opposition forces. Such dynamics underscore India’s need for dialog-centric resolutions over politically charged accusations that could detract from pressing governance challenges.

Published – August 10, 2025