EC fact-check punctures Ajit Anjum's 'eureka moment' on Bihar vote theft

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday firmly rebutted allegations of vote theft in Bihar following a viral video posted by YouTuber Ajit Anjum and subsequent accusations by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

The Commission clarified that all procedures for voter list revision were followed in accordance with the rules, and no irregularities were found.

Ajit Anjum’s video, virtually a “eureka moment” for him, purported to show Booth Level Officers (BLOs) allegedly signing on behalf of voters during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Patna.

The video quickly circulated on social media, prompting Rahul Gandhi to publicly accuse the ECI of facilitating vote theft ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

In response, the ECI ordered a comprehensive local inquiry, with district election officials and a committee reviewing all documentation and procedures at the polling stations highlighted in the video.

According to the official press note and supporting documents now released by the District Administration, Patna:

• No evidence was found of BLOs signing or submitting voter forms improperly.
• The signatures and entries in question were verified and matched mandated protocols for updating the rolls, including procedures for deceased or shifted voters.
• The lists shown in the viral video had already been uploaded before the video surfaced, with all actions properly recorded.

The statement noted that some individuals, including certain journalists and YouTubers, were spreading “baseless and misleading information” without understanding the process or verifying facts with the administration. The Commission underlined that such sensationalism only serves to confuse the public and undermine trust in the electoral process.

The ECI also reminded all political parties that the SIR exercise is subject to verification by their representatives, and that all lists are shared with party agents to ensure no eligible voter is omitted and any doubts can be addressed transparently.

The Commission categorically rejected Rahul Gandhi’s charge that the ECI is complicit in vote theft, reiterating that all electoral roll revisions have followed the Supreme Court’s directions and established protocols.

Reiterating its commitment to free and fair elections, the ECI urged media, content creators, and the public to seek clarification and understand procedures before making or amplifying claims. The Commission stated that misleading content, even if viral, cannot substitute for facts established through due process.