India, Sept. 9 -- Weeks after Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar lashed out at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for his "vote theft" claims, three former Election Commissioners have criticised the poll body chief's handling of the matter.

Former Chief Election Commissioners SY Quraishi and OP Rawat, along with former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa, said the matter could have been handled more appropriately instead of asking Gandhi to submit a signed affidavit.

During an interaction at India Today's South Conclave, SY Quraishi criticised the poll panel's angry response to Rahul Gandhi's allegations, and said that the Congress leader was voicing the concerns of many people, not just himself.

"Daring the Leader of the Oppositi...