Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday weighed in on the controversy surrounding the alleged fading of indelible ink used during Maharashtra’s civic body elections, using a Gen Z term to accuse the Election Commission of undermining public trust.Amid mounting complaints from voters and opposition parties that the ink applied to mark fingers during Thursday’s polls was fading unusually fast, Rahul described the situation as “gaslighting” by the Election Commission and termed “vote chori” an anti-national act. “I Too Want to Help Develop an India Where We Listen…” Rahul Gandhi During Student Interaction Sharing a media report on X that said “opposition, voters cry foul over fading ink markers”, Gandhi wrote, “Election commission gaslighting citizens is how trust has collapsed in our democracy. Election ResultsMaharashtra Election Results: Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP dominates urban centres, Mahayuti leads across corporations as counting of votes continuesPCMC Election Results 2026: Pawars fail to deliver in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune; BJP takes major leadPune PMC Election Results 2026: Counting begins; stakes high after 9-year gapVote Chori is an anti-national act.”The controversy erupted after multiple videos surfaced on social media showing voters claiming that the ink marks on their fingers had faded within hours of voting, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the possibility of repeat voting.What is gaslighting?Rahul’s use of the term ‘gaslighting’ — commonly associated with Gen Z and millennial discourse — drew attention online.’Gaslighting’ refers to a form of manipulation where people are led to doubt their own memory, perception or understanding of reality. It often involves repeatedly denying clear facts, twisting information, or blaming others’ reactions, eventually causing them to question their own judgment.Victims are gradually led to question their actions, memories, understanding and even their sanity. It typically occurs in situations where there is a power imbalance between the individuals involved. Gaslighting often begins with small, seemingly harmless lies but can escalate over time, with the manipulator convincing the victim that they remember events incorrectly, lack sound judgment, or cannot be trusted to assess situations accurately.Examples:By invoking the term, Rahul appeared to suggest that voters’ concerns were being dismissed or minimised despite visible evidence, further eroding confidence in democratic institutions.The Election Commission has maintained that it will take corrective steps based on the probe’s findings, even as the opposition continues to press for accountability over the ink controversy.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosErasable Ink Controversy In BMC Elections, SEC Steps In And Orders ProbeEAM Jaishankar Flags Economic Security As Top Priority, Pushes India-Japan De Risking StrategyIndia Blasts Pakistan At United Nations For Pushing Divisive Kashmir Agenda And Spreading FalsehoodsPakistan Continues To Ignore India’s Warning As Drones Return To Valley, Third Incident In Five Days’Adi Shankaracharya Unified India Through Ideas’, Says Amit Shah At Ahmedabad Granthavali LaunchUS Lawmakers Name India As Strategic Partner, Dismiss Pakistan As Ally And Flag China As Top ThreatShaksgam Standoff Triangle: Pakistan Backs China’s Claim, Alleges India Illegally Occupying LadakhPakistan Calls Indian Army Chief’s Terror Camp Remark Delusional Rhetoric, Terror Bosses Blow CoverNew Army Video Highlights Operation Sindoor Strikes On Terror Camps And AirbasesBJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi Warns Against Left Ideologies, Launches Tarun Vijay’S Book Mantra-Viplav123PhotostoriesBMC Elections 2026: BJP-Shiv Sena alliance on top, Mumbai set for a new mayor after 4 year delayBengal Vice: Congress crushed between Mamata and BJPFrom a massive living room to fancy decor: Bigg Boss 19 fame Pranit More’s lavish house tour10 extraordinary Starfish that redefine ocean beautyFIFA World Cup 2026: Which countries are hosting it? All host cities, dates and how to book ticketsHow to make Paneer Kofta for lunch at homeHappy Birthday Vijay Sethupathi: Best Bigg Boss Tamil moments of the charming actorWhat is Sea Buckthorn that PM Narendra Modi recommends young people should consume regularly: 5 ways to add it in daily mealsSidharth Malhotra birthday special: Dapper moments of the ‘Shershaah starVijay Sethupathi birthday special: Top movies to watch on OTT123Hot PicksMaharashtra Election ResultsBudget 2026Gold rate todayBank holiday todayBMC Election ResultsPublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingMLB Trade RumorsKDMC Election ResultPAK vs ENG Live ScoreAUS vs IRE Live ScoreMira Bhayandar Election ResultPuka Nacuas BrotherMarvel Rivals Season 6 Release DateJohn wolfords net worthDelhi Digital ArrestDelhi Rape and Murder Case
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday weighed in on the controversy surrounding the alleged fading of indelible ink used during Maharashtra’s civic body elections, using a Gen Z term to accuse the Election Commission of undermining public trust.Amid mounting complaints from voters and opposition parties that the ink applied to mark fingers during Thursday’s polls was fading unusually fast, Rahul described the situation as “gaslighting” by the Election Commission and termed “vote chori” an anti-national act.
Sharing a media report on X that said “opposition, voters cry foul over fading ink markers”, Gandhi wrote, “Election commission gaslighting citizens is how trust has collapsed in our democracy. Vote Chori is an anti-national act.”The controversy erupted after multiple videos surfaced on social media showing voters claiming that the ink marks on their fingers had faded within hours of voting, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the possibility of repeat voting.
What is gaslighting?
Rahul’s use of the term ‘gaslighting’ — commonly associated with Gen Z and millennial discourse — drew attention online.‘Gaslighting’ refers to a form of manipulation where people are led to doubt their own memory, perception or understanding of reality. It often involves repeatedly denying clear facts, twisting information, or blaming others’ reactions, eventually causing them to question their own judgment.Victims are gradually led to question their actions, memories, understanding and even their sanity. It typically occurs in situations where there is a power imbalance between the individuals involved. Gaslighting often begins with small, seemingly harmless lies but can escalate over time, with the manipulator convincing the victim that they remember events incorrectly, lack sound judgment, or cannot be trusted to assess situations accurately.Examples:By invoking the term, Rahul appeared to suggest that voters’ concerns were being dismissed or minimised despite visible evidence, further eroding confidence in democratic institutions.The Election Commission has maintained that it will take corrective steps based on the probe’s findings, even as the opposition continues to press for accountability over the ink controversy.
