An open letter signed by 272 prominent individuals — including former judges, senior bureaucrats, and armed forces veterans — strongly criticised Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for repeatedly alleging “vote theft”. They said Indian democracy was being undermined by increasing hostility towards key constitutional institutions.

Addressed to Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, the letter argued that some leaders were making provocative claims without evidence instead of presenting real policy alternatives. It accused them of targeting institutions one after another — from the armed forces and the judiciary to Parliament — and said the Election Commission had now become the latest victim of what they described as coordinated attacks on its credibility.

The signatories cited Gandhi’s earlier comments during the Maharashtra and Haryana elections, noting that no formal complaint had been filed even though he made serious accusations and threatened officials performing their duties. They also highlighted his recent statements claiming “100 per cent proof” of vote theft, describing the language used as inappropriate and aggressive. The letter said Gandhi had even warned that he would pursue Election Commission officials “from top to bottom”, accusing them of treason.

The letter also criticised the Congress for attacking the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and accusing the Election Commission of acting like the “B-team of the BJP”. It pointed out that the Commission had already made its methodology public, carried out verification through court-approved processes, and updated voter lists in a lawful manner.

The signatories stressed that dramatic political rhetoric may be emotionally charged but does not hold up when examined against facts. They argued that unfounded allegations only damage the integrity of institutions essential to India’s democracy.