Rahul Gandhi Just Dropped a Bombshell—Why’s the EC Erasing Poll Footage?
Okay, let’s talk about this. Rahul Gandhi—yeah, that Rahul Gandhi—just came out swinging against the Election Commission (EC). And honestly? It’s got people buzzing. See, reports say the EC told state officers to delete CCTV and video footage from elections after just 45 days. No big deal, right? Except Gandhi’s calling it “match-fixing” and straight-up “destroying evidence.” And with all the noise around fair elections lately, this? Not a good look.
Breaking Down Rahul’s Big Claim
What He Actually Said
So Gandhi took to Twitter (because where else do politicians fight these days?) and went: “Why is the EC ordering this? What are they hiding?” Strong words. And you know what? He’s not wrong to ask. I mean, if there’s one thing you don’t do in a democracy, it’s make evidence vanish before anyone can check it. Feels sketchy, no?
Why This Timing Sucks
Here’s the thing—we just had elections with all kinds of mess: delayed counts, weird voter numbers, the usual drama. And remember last year when footage caught officials stuffing ballots in Bihar? Yeah, that footage. Now imagine if it got deleted before anyone saw. That’s the problem here.
Okay, But What Does the EC’s Order Actually Say?
The Fine Print
From what I’ve heard, the EC basically told states: “Delete all election videos after 45 days unless there’s a court case.” Routine data cleanup? Maybe. But here’s the kicker—election petitions take months. So by the time someone complains? Poof. No evidence.
Legal Experts Are Side-Eyeing This Hard
Talked to a lawyer friend about this, and she put it bluntly: “This is how you kill transparency.” Footage isn’t just nice to have—it’s often the only neutral record of what went down at polling booths. And Prashant Bhushan (you know him, right?) says the same thing. When lawyers agree, you know it’s serious.
Everyone’s Freaking Out—Here’s Why
Politicians Doing What They Do Best
Congress is screaming “undemocratic!” while BJP’s like “Relax, it’s normal.” Classic. But here’s my take: when the party in power says “nothing to see here” while the opposition yells “cover-up”? Maybe we should, I dunno, look?
Normal People Are Split
Some folks think this is just bureaucracy being bureaucratic. Others? They’re side-eyeing the EC like it’s that one shady uncle at family functions. And groups like ADR—who actually track this stuff—are worried. Their founder said it sets a “dangerous precedent.” And he’s not the dramatic type.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Other Countries Keep Records For Years
In the US and UK? They save election data like grandma hoards plastic bags. Meanwhile, we’re hitting delete after 45 days. Gautam Bhatia (constitutional law guy) pointed out that cases take way longer than that to resolve. So… we’re just trusting nothing shady happened? Bold strategy.
The “What Are They Hiding?” Factor
Let’s be real—when evidence disappears, people get suspicious. Especially now, with politics being what it is. No proof of foul play yet, but come on. The timing? Suspicious as hell.
Remember When Footage Actually Mattered?
That Time in Bihar
2019. CCTV catches officials stuffing ballots like samosas. Result? The election got scrapped and done again. That’s why this stuff matters—it’s not just video, it’s proof.
EC’s Reputation Isn’t Exactly Spotless
They’ve dragged feet on code violations before. Added some good safeguards, sure, but this move? Feels like two steps back.
What Happens Now?
Lawyers to the Rescue?
Activists are already talking Supreme Court challenges. One lawyer said they might force the EC to explain itself. Which, honestly? Should’ve happened already.
Public Pressure’s Building
People want answers. With 2024 elections coming, this could be huge. Either the EC clears the air, or this becomes the trust issue that won’t go away.
Bottom Line
Look, I’m no politician. But when election footage gets deleted faster than my ex’s texts? That’s a problem. Rahul Gandhi might be loud, but he’s asking the right questions. In a democracy, sunlight is the best disinfectant—and right now, someone’s closing the curtains.
Source: Hindustan Times – India News
