Rumours have been swirling on social media claiming that former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar has relocated to Malta. However, sources close to Kumar have firmly denied these claims, confirming that he is very much in India and has not left the country.

Kumar, who oversaw the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, stepped down from his position in February 2025 after completing his tenure. His role during the elections had placed him in a highly visible position, and even months after leaving office, he remains in the public spotlight.

The Origin of the Malta Speculation

The speculation about Kumar’s alleged move abroad gained traction after political discussions heated up online. According to individuals familiar with his current whereabouts, these rumours are completely unfounded. Kumar has not settled in Malta—or any foreign country—and continues to reside in India.

Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations and the Spotlight on Kumar

Kumar’s name recently resurfaced in political debates following Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of “vote theft” in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Haryana. These accusations relate to the period when Kumar headed the Election Commission of India and supervised the electoral process.

Although the claims are politically charged, they have undeniably intensified public curiosity about Kumar’s work during his tenure and his current activities.

Leadership During the 2024 General Elections

As CEC, Rajiv Kumar was responsible for overseeing one of the largest democratic exercises in the world—the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This was a massive undertaking involving millions of voters, thousands of polling stations, and strict monitoring of electoral conduct.

While the elections were successfully conducted under his watch, the recent allegations and rumours highlight how former officials can remain at the centre of political and media attention long after leaving office.

The Final Word

For now, those close to Rajiv Kumar are unequivocal—he is still in India and has not made any plans to settle abroad. The Malta relocation story, they say, is nothing more than social media chatter without basis in fact.

As political debates continue and narratives evolve, Kumar’s tenure and the 2024 elections will likely remain a subject of discussion in India’s political landscape for some time to come.

With inputs from agencies

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