Award-winning director Luit Kumar Barman submits notarized statement to Election Commission amid nationwide controversy over electoral fraud allegations
GUWAHATI, August 18: As Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi embarks on a 1,300-kilometer 'Voter Rights March' from Bihar's Sasaram amid nationwide debates over alleged vote rigging, an Assam-based filmmaker has thrown his weight behind the Congress MP's claims by filing a sworn affidavit with the Election Commission.
National Film Award-winning director and social activist Luit Kumar Barman has submitted a notarized affidavit to the Chief Election Commissioner via email, supporting Gandhi's allegations of electoral fraud in Karnataka and Maharashtra during the 2024 general elections.
Filmmaker's Bold Stand
In his affidavit filed from Banphool Path under Hatigaon Police Station in Kamrup Metropolitan district, Barman stated: "I am a law-abiding citizen of India. Based on reports published in various newspapers and electronic media during Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi's press conferences, I believe that fake and duplicate voter names were included in the voter lists in Karnataka and Maharashtra."
The filmmaker went further, demanding that "the 2024 general election should be declared invalid" due to these alleged irregularities.
Supporting Gandhi's Serious Allegations
Rahul Gandhi has been raising multiple grave allegations, including:
- 40 lakh new mysterious voters allegedly added in Maharashtra post-Lok Sabha elections to favor BJP
- 1 lakh fake voters reportedly added in a single Karnataka constituency
- 80 voters registered in single small rooms
- Same voters casting ballots at multiple locations
- Living people declared dead and their votes deleted through SIR (Summary Revision) in Bihar
- Systematic disenfranchisement of poor and marginalized communities
Election Commission Seeks Affidavit
While the Election Commission has demanded a sworn statement from Gandhi before initiating any investigation, the Congress leader has refused, stating he has already taken oath as a Lok Sabha member and sees no need for additional affidavits.
Barman's Legal Commitment
In his submission, Barman has taken full legal responsibility, stating: "If any of the above-mentioned information or statements are proven false or incorrect, I will be responsible and face punishment. If necessary, this declaration can be submitted as evidence to the relevant authorities."
The filmmaker also alleged that an IAS officer from Assam is involved in similar electoral irregularities, claiming multiple complaints filed with the Election Commission have been ignored.
Nationwide Impact
As Gandhi's voter rights march gains momentum across the country, Barman's affidavit represents growing civil society support for investigating alleged electoral fraud. The development adds a significant voice from India's northeastern region to the nationwide debate over electoral integrity.
The controversy has sparked intense political discussions across party lines, with questions being raised about the transparency and fairness of India's electoral processes ahead of upcoming state elections.
The Election Commission is yet to respond to Barman's affidavit or announce any investigation into the filmmaker's allegations.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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