The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rejected claims made by the Congress party about discrepancies in the recently concluded Maharashtra assembly elections. Allegations centered around irregularities in voter rolls and differences in vote counts, prompting the Commission to invite a Congress delegation for a discussion on December 3.
The Congress party, through its lawyer Omar Hoda, brought forward complaints about voter roll discrepancies and alleged vote rigging by the ruling BJP during the Maharashtra assembly elections held on November 20, with results declared on November 23. The Election Commission responded to these complaints in a detailed letter written by its Secretary, SK Das.
The ECI dismissed allegations of voter list manipulation, stating that the electoral roll preparation process is conducted transparently and involves the participation of all political parties, including Congress. The draft rolls are shared with political parties, who are also involved in verifying the data at every stage.
The Congress also raised concerns about discrepancies between votes polled and votes counted. In its response, the Commission referred to its previous communication with the party, emphasizing that the reasons behind any gaps in voting percentages had already been disclosed to the public. Despite dismissing the allegations, the Commission extended an invitation to Congress leaders for a discussion on December 3, reaffirming its commitment to addressing all grievances.
The Maharashtra elections resulted in a sweeping victory for the Mahayuti Alliance, with the BJP securing 132 seats in the 288-member assembly. The Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. The Congress, struggling to gain traction, secured only 16 seats, while its alliance partners, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP and Shiv Sena (UBT), managed 10 and 20 seats, respectively.
The decisive win for the Mahayuti Alliance came amidst political upheavals. Following the results, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde resigned to pave the way for a new government. A leadership tussle has since emerged, with both Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis considered contenders for the top post.
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The Congress accused the BJP of manipulating the election process, alleging that numerous voters, primarily its supporters, were excluded from the electoral rolls. Additionally, the party claimed significant discrepancies between the number of votes polled and counted. These accusations came amid the backdrop of a lackluster performance by the Congress and its allies in the elections.
The Election Commission, however, refuted these claims, reiterating that the electoral roll preparation process is inclusive and transparent. The Commission also highlighted that the results reflected the electorate's will, as evidenced by the landslide victory of the Mahayuti Alliance.
The Congress delegation’s meeting with the ECI on December 3 will provide a platform for further clarifications and discussions. This engagement underscores the Commission’s effort to ensure transparency and address concerns, even as it dismisses baseless accusations.
With a new government yet to be formed and the political dynamics in Maharashtra evolving, the upcoming months will likely see continued debates over electoral processes and governance challenges. For Congress, this election outcome marks another chapter in its struggle to regain political relevance in the state.