Youth Views and Political Accusations: The Debate Over Election Integrity in India

In the wake of a recent press conference by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, key BJP leader and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju responded by claiming that attacking the Election Commission and the Supreme Court has become a regular practice for Gandhi. Rijiju also suggested that Gandhi merely reads out research provided by NGOs, without any direct involvement.

At the press conference, when Rahul Gandhi was asked about his allegations of vote theft—that votes had been stolen and victories achieved through such manipulation—he indicated that the final decisions on such issues would be made by the opposition. Gandhi clarified that the purpose of his press conference was not just for political gain but to inform the public, especially the youth, about their right to vote and to highlight the theft of these rights.

The ground reality was explored further when the media interacted with young college students. One student from Hansraj College, Delhi University, who aspires to be a professor, emphasized the importance of free expression in India and the foundational values embedded in the Indian Constitution. She remarked that while politicians, especially in the opposition, often exaggerate for their political motives, the Election Commission should respond to specific allegations with detailed clarifications. However, she was skeptical about the statistical reports cited during the press conference, pointing out the lack of transparency about the sample size and methodology. “We only know what is shown in the media; the ground reality could be very different,” she said.

On the topic of public discourse and the credibility of the Election Commission, she noted that although older generations had more enthusiasm for voting and politics, young people today are less interested, which might not be directly due to the Election Commission but also due to changing political climates and leadership. While some doubts may exist, she personally believes the Commission’s dignity hasn’t diminished, though the mindset around voting has shifted.

Another student, a CA finalist from Shaheed Sukhdev College of Commerce, highlighted the need for more transparency in the election process. He found some validity in Rahul Gandhi’s demonstration that individual voter IDs were being used at multiple addresses. He called for stricter rules and thorough follow-ups to prevent such occurrences.

When asked if young people genuinely believe elections are manipulated, or if these are just excuses by those who lose, the student admitted that manipulation can be found everywhere, not just in politics. “Manipulation will always exist to some degree, be it minimal or extensive. Rahul Gandhi is partly right; manipulation does happen, votes get diluted, and since transparency isn’t absolute, others’ votes get mixed in as well,” he opined.

These conversations reveal a deep concern among Indian youth regarding the transparency of the election process, though there remains a belief in the basic integrity of the system. The debate over election fairness continues to be a prominent topic of discussion, reflecting broader anxieties over the health of democratic institutions in India.

What do you think? Do you believe the Indian election process is transparent, or does it need reforms to restore public faith? Share your thoughts in the comments.