Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar has backed Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s explosive allegations of vote theft during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, adding his own sensational claim about Maharashtra’s assembly polls. Pawar alleged that two individuals approached him ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra elections, guaranteeing victory in 160 out of 288 seats. He said he and Rahul Gandhi declined the offer, choosing not to be involved.

Pawar defended Rahul Gandhi’s claims against the Election Commission, asserting that the Congress MP had studied the matter in depth, citing examples like multiple votes from a single address. The Election Commission has demanded an affidavit from Gandhi, but Pawar argued that an MP’s oath is sufficient and a separate sworn statement is unnecessary. He insisted on a full investigation to maintain trust in parliamentary democracy.

The BJP strongly dismissed Gandhi’s accusations, calling them irresponsible, while Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis questioned Pawar’s timing, noting his past stance against blaming EVMs. Pawar, however, maintained that the Election Commission must answer the Opposition’s questions and warned of a parliamentary march to the EC if clarity is not provided. The political battle over these claims has set the stage for a fresh confrontation between the BJP and the Opposition.