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The Congress party has escalated its dispute with the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the handling of the Haryana Assembly elections, accusing the poll body of bias and threatening legal action. This conflict stems from the Congress's dissatisfaction with the ECI's response to their complaints about alleged irregularities in the election process.
In a strongly worded letter, the Congress accused the ECI of engaging in ad-hominem attacks against the party and its leaders, claiming that the ECI's replies to their communications were laced with condescending language. This starkly contrasts with the Congress's claim of maintaining respectful communication and focusing solely on the issues at hand.
The ECI, in its defense, refuted the allegations of irregularities, describing the Congress's complaints as “baseless” and “frivolous.” The Commission maintained that the electoral process in Haryana was conducted fairly and transparently, and the outcome of the elections reflected the will of the people.
The Congress, however, remained unconvinced and insisted that the ECI's response demonstrated a clear lack of neutrality. The party’s letter highlighted the discrepancy between the ECI's approach in this case compared to the way judges handle similar issues. They argued that the ECI's response was more akin to attacking the party rather than addressing the concerns raised.
The dispute between the Congress and the ECI has reached a critical point with the Congress threatening to take legal action to expunge the ECI's remarks deemed to be defamatory. This legal threat, while serious, is not without precedent, as the Congress referenced the Madras High Court's criticism of the ECI in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This ongoing conflict highlights the sensitive nature of election disputes and the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The Congress's allegations, if proven, could potentially undermine public confidence in the ECI's impartiality and ability to conduct fair elections. The ECI, on the other hand, has a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the electoral system and must strive to demonstrate neutrality and fairness in its actions and responses.
Source: 'May Take Legal Action...': Congress To Poll Body On Haryana Election Response