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The Election Commission of India (ECI) is facing accusations from the Indian National Congress (INC) party regarding alleged irregularities in the recent Maharashtra and Jharkhand state assembly elections. The INC alleges arbitrary deletions and additions of voters from electoral rolls, along with discrepancies in voter turnout percentages reported between 5 pm and 11:30 pm on polling day. These allegations, while seemingly contradictory given the contrasting electoral outcomes in the two states (BJP-led coalition victory in Maharashtra and UPA victory in Jharkhand), have prompted the ECI to respond and schedule a meeting with the INC.
In its interim response, the ECI maintains that the electoral roll updation process is transparent and involves all political parties. It vehemently denies any discrepancy in the reported voter turnout data, attributing the difference between the 5 pm figures and the final turnout to procedural necessities. The ECI explains that presiding officers are required to perform various statutory duties before updating the turnout figures, a process that naturally takes time after the polls close. This explanation mirrors previous clarifications given to the INC during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, indicating a recurring pattern of similar concerns.
To enhance transparency, the ECI implemented a new standard practice, starting with the 2024 general elections, of releasing a press statement with updated voter turnout figures at 11:45 pm on polling day. This additional disclosure measure aims to allay concerns and provide a clearer picture of the final voter numbers. However, the INC's persistence in raising these issues highlights a lack of confidence in the ECI's explanations, or at least a need for more comprehensive clarification and transparency.
Despite its attempts to address the INC's concerns, the ECI has agreed to a meeting with a party delegation on December 3rd at 5 pm. This decision, although seemingly conciliatory, underlines a recognition of the seriousness of the allegations and the need to engage directly with the INC. The ECI's willingness to hear the party's concerns, in addition to the already provided written clarifications, demonstrates a commitment to address the doubts and maintain public confidence in the electoral process.
The ECI's response letter to the INC referenced a previous communication from May 10, 2024, which detailed the reasons for deviations in voter turnout percentages. The letter emphasizes that the total number of votes polled at each polling booth is provided to authorized agents of candidates in Form 17C Part 1 before presiding officers leave the polling station. This final count, the ECI asserts, serves as the verifiable basis for the final voter turnout figures. The ECI also clarified that poll duty employees are drawn from state government departments. The performance of multiple statutory responsibilities by presiding officers near the end of polling—filling forms, keeping records, and sealing machines—contributes to the time lag in updating the turnout app.
The INC's allegations raise critical questions about the integrity of the electoral process. While the ECI's explanation focuses on procedural aspects and the transparency of the electoral roll updates, the discrepancies in voter turnout percentages remain a point of contention. The upcoming meeting between the ECI and the INC delegation will be crucial in addressing these concerns and ensuring the credibility of the electoral process in the eyes of political parties and the public. The outcome of this meeting will significantly influence public perception of the fairness and integrity of the Indian electoral system.
Further investigation is needed to fully understand the root cause of these perceived discrepancies. While the ECI has attempted to allay concerns, the fact that these concerns are being repeatedly raised suggests a deeper issue needing to be addressed. The thorough investigation into the addition and deletion of voters, as agreed upon by the EC, is vital in reassuring public confidence. Transparency and accountability are crucial for the success of any democratic process, and the actions taken by the EC in the coming weeks and months will greatly influence the public's trust in the integrity of future elections.
Source: EC to meet Congress team, hear out poll process complaints