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The recently concluded Haryana elections have been shrouded in controversy, with Congress raising serious allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) manipulation. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister, claimed discrepancies in the vote-counting process, alleging that Congress had a significant lead in postal ballots, which was drastically reduced once EVMs were counted. This claim was echoed by other Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera, who also questioned the integrity of the electoral process.
These allegations came on the same day the Election Commission issued a strong reprimand to Congress for questioning the credibility of the EVMs. The Commission described Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's statements as “undemocratic rejection of the will of the people” and criticized the party for undermining public confidence in the electoral process. The Commission reiterated its commitment to a fair and transparent election process, highlighting its strict statutory and regulatory framework which is uniformly applied across the country.
While Congress leaders are scrutinizing the election process, the BJP celebrated its historic third term in Haryana, securing 48 seats in the 90-member Assembly. Congress, despite its hopes for a strong comeback under Hooda's leadership, managed to win only 37 seats. The BJP’s strong performance in urban areas played a significant role in their victory, while Congress showed resilience in many rural pockets but fell short of its expectations.
Hooda's focus on local issues like unemployment, agrarian distress, and inflation during the campaign seems to have fallen short of addressing the concerns of the voters. The BJP's deep-rooted political machinery and its appeal in urban centers effectively countered Congress's momentum. This defeat has sparked introspection within the Congress party, with calls for internal reforms and a reassessment of their strategy growing louder.
The ongoing debate over EVMs is further fueled by Congress's allegations, adding to the complexity of the post-election landscape in Haryana. The party's accusations of electoral fraud are being taken seriously by many, raising concerns about the transparency and integrity of the election process. As Congress continues to pursue legal and electoral avenues to address its concerns, the Election Commission's role in ensuring a fair and impartial election will be under intense scrutiny.
The results of the Haryana elections have significant implications for the state's political landscape. The BJP's victory solidifies its dominance in the state, while Congress faces a period of internal reflection and restructuring. The allegations of EVM manipulation have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and could potentially lead to further investigations and reforms. The future of Congress in Haryana remains uncertain, with Hooda's leadership and the party's ability to adapt and address voter concerns shaping its path forward.