We want answers, not attacks: Tharoor slams EC over criticism of Rahul

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor hit out at the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday for attacking Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his poll-rigging claims, saying instead of providing answers, the poll panel is insisting on formalities like an oath and an affidavit.

Participating in a protest march taken out by Opposition MPs against the revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar and alleged "vote chori (theft)", Tharoor said "what we want is answers, not attacks".

"The Election Commission was asked a number of very serious questions by Rahul Gandhi. Those serious questions deserve serious answers. The Election Commission, instead of providing answers, is insisting on formalities like an oath," he told PTI.

"I honestly do not think there is any reason for it... They do not have to insist on it. Secondly, the data that Rahulji is citing is Election Commission data, the EC can look at its own data," the former Union minister said.

"Seems to me that instead of getting stuck on formalities, they should address the serious doubts that have been raised in people's mind because the integrity of the electoral system is credible, essential and vital for our own democracy. It is too precious for us to tamper with," Tharoor said.

"So my own view very seriously is that questions have been asked and answers must be given. That is what all this is all about," he added.

Asked about the EC attacking Gandhi over his poll-rigging claims, Tharoor said, "What we want is answers, not attacks."

Later, in a social media post, the Congress leader said, "At the INDIA bloc MPs' protest today. We are all asking why @ECISVEEP could not give serious answers to the serious questions raised by @RahulGandhi, rather than insisting on formalities like an oath and an affidavit (when the data cited is all the EC's own data anyway)."

"It is very much in the interest of the Election Commission to dispel the doubts that have arisen in voters' minds about the integrity and the credibility of the electoral process. The flaws pointed out could easily be addressed and answers given that could set rest any fears of voting-list manipulation. The nation is truly entitled to a response," he said.

EC officials have been insisting on a signed declaration by Gandhi to substantiate his claims

Gandhi on Thursday cited data from the 2024 Lok Sabha polls to claim that more than 1 lakh votes were "stolen" through five types of manipulation in the Mahadevpura Assembly segment of Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha constituency.