On Thursday, March 25, 2026, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal blasted the Congress for allegedly compromising the Election Commission’s integrity. He said the party’s actions pushed the ECI to its lowest ebb and called Rahul Gandhi’s conduct hypocritical.
Goyal cited the 2024 vote‑row scandal, where Congress leaders allegedly engaged in ‘vote chori’. He argued that former Chief Election Commissioner Navin Chawla was accused of favoritism by N Gopalaswami, the then‑CEC, yet the Congress rewarded him with the top post.
The Election Commission, which oversees free and fair elections, has faced criticism from opposition parties over perceived bias. Delhi’s Election Commissioner, K. S. N. Kumar, said the institution operates independently but acknowledges public mistrust.
A resident of Delhi’s Dwarka district, Ritu Sharma, told reporters she feels the ECI’s decisions now sway her vote. “If the commission is seen as a tool of the ruling party, I’m not sure I can trust the polls,” she said.
Goyal has called for a parliamentary inquiry into the appointment process. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party said it will review the ECI’s internal procedures and may hold a committee meeting next week.