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The Indian National Congress (INC) has launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing the body of bias and condescension in its response to the party's complaints regarding alleged irregularities in the recently concluded Haryana Assembly elections. The Congress maintains that the ECI's reply is superficial and fails to address the specific concerns raised by the party. This escalating conflict highlights the deepening distrust between the political party and the electoral body, casting a shadow over the integrity of the election process.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, the Congress contends that the ECI's response is nothing more than a generic set of bullet points about how the voting machines function, without adequately addressing the specific complaints raised by the party. The party further criticizes the tone of the ECI's reply, labeling it condescending and suggesting the ECI is actively seeking to undermine its neutrality. The Congress also points out that the ECI has historically been reluctant to engage in meaningful dialogue with the party, often resorting to dismissing its concerns as frivolous.
The Congress's allegations stem from its claims of irregularities in the Haryana Assembly elections, specifically concerning the display of a 99% battery status on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during vote counting. The party contends that this apparent anomaly raises serious questions about the integrity of the election process. However, the ECI has categorically rejected these claims, asserting that they lack any basis in fact and are merely attempts to undermine the credibility of the electoral process. The ECI has further cautioned against making such allegations, arguing that they could incite public unrest and disrupt social order.
This exchange underscores the growing tension between political parties and the ECI, particularly regarding the use of EVMs in elections. The Congress's accusations reflect a broader trend of skepticism surrounding the accuracy and reliability of EVMs, with several parties expressing concerns over the possibility of manipulation. The ECI has repeatedly defended the integrity of EVMs, but these controversies continue to cast a shadow over the electoral process, fueling concerns about transparency and fairness.
The BJP, the ruling party in India, has dismissed the Congress's allegations as a typical tactic employed by the party whenever it faces electoral defeat. The party has highlighted its strong performance in the Haryana elections, securing a clear majority, and sees the ECI's rebuttal of the Congress's claims as a validation of its electoral victory. The BJP's stance emphasizes the partisan nature of the conflict, with both parties aligning their interpretations of the ECI's response with their respective electoral interests.