New Delhi, December 4, 2024 — A delegation of senior Congress leaders, led by Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi, met with Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday to address serious concerns over discrepancies in voter list and turnout figures during recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly elections. This meeting followed an invitation from ECI to hear out party’s grievances, which Congress claims have serious implications for fairness and integrity of electoral process.
Key Concerns Raised by Congress
After meeting, Singhvi briefed media, highlighting a series of irregularities that party believes could have influenced election outcome. These concerns primarily revolved around deletion of voters’ names, unexplained additions to voter list, and discrepancies in voter turnout figures reported by ECI.
Large-Scale Deletions in Voter List
“first and most glaring issue is large-scale deletion of voters’ names from electoral rolls,” Singhvi stated. According to Congress leader, deletions affected a significant number of registered voters across multiple constituencies, raising questions about criteria and processes used.
Singhvi demanded that ECI provide booth-wise and constituency-wise data to justify these deletions. “prescribed forms and procedures for such deletions must be followed meticulously. Arbitrary removal of names disenfranchises legitimate voters and undermines democratic principles,” he added.
Suspicious Additions to Voter List
Equally concerning was addition of 47 lakh new names to voter rolls between Lok Sabha elections and Assembly elections in Maharashtra. Singhvi questioned lack of transparency in this process, particularly regarding door-to-door verification and submission of prescribed forms.
“Where are forms for these additions? What verification was conducted, and on what basis were these names included? We need access to raw data to understand whether due diligence was followed,” Singhvi asserted.
Discrepancies in Voter Turnout Figures
One of most contentious points raised by Congress delegation was variation in voter turnout figures reported by ECI. According to Singhvi, ECI released three different voter turnout percentages during election:
- 58.22% by 5 PM on election day
- 65.02% by 11:30 PM same day
- 67% two days later as final figure
“This seven percent discrepancy is not just a statistical anomaly; it is enough to change electoral outcomes in closely contested constituencies,” Singhvi argued. He demanded that ECI release detailed raw data for scrutiny.
Unnatural Voter Turnout in Key Constituencies
Singhvi also pointed to what he termed an “unnatural increase” in voter turnout in 118 constituencies, where polling numbers rose by over 25,000 votes compared to Lok Sabha elections. He alleged that this surge predominantly occurred in constituencies where ruling party secured victories, raising suspicions of manipulation.
“Such irregularities cannot be brushed aside as mere coincidences. They point to deeper issues in electoral process,” Singhvi stated.
Congress Working Committee Expresses Alarm
In a statement issued after meeting, Congress Working Committee (CWC) echoed concerns raised by Singhvi and delegation. party accused ECI of partisanship and called for urgent corrective measures to restore public faith in electoral process.
“integrity of entire electoral process is being severely compromised. Free and fair elections are a constitutional mandate, and their subversion undermines very foundation of our democracy,” statement read.
CWC also noted growing frustration among citizens regarding electoral discrepancies, warning that these issues could erode trust in democratic institutions. party vowed to take up matter as part of a larger national movement to safeguard electoral integrity.
Demands Presented to Election Commission
During meeting, Congress delegation presented a detailed memorandum to ECI, outlining their demands:
- Booth-wise and constituency-wise data on voter deletions: To ensure transparency and accountability in removal of names from voter list.
- Verification data for new voter additions: To ascertain that 47 lakh new names were added following due process.
- Detailed explanation for voter turnout discrepancies: Including raw data for all three reported figures.
- Independent investigation into unnatural voter turnout increases: Particularly in constituencies with large surges that coincided with ruling party victories.
Congress delegation emphasized that these measures are essential to uphold credibility of electoral process and prevent future discrepancies.
Broader Implications for Indian Democracy
Congress leaders warned that if these issues are not addressed, they could set a dangerous precedent for future elections. “If elections are not conducted properly, it undermines fundamental structure of Constitution,” Singhvi said.
Political analysts agree that concerns raised by Congress are not just relevant to Maharashtra but have implications for democratic process across India. Irregularities in voter lists and turnout figures, if left unaddressed, could erode public trust in ECI, which is constitutionally mandated to ensure free and fair elections.
Public Reaction and Political Repercussions
Congress’s allegations have sparked widespread debate in political and public circles. Supporters of party have taken to social media platforms, demanding greater accountability from ECI. hashtag #RestoreElectoralIntegrity has been trending, with citizens calling for a transparent investigation into issues highlighted.
ruling party, however, dismissed Congress’s claims as baseless. A spokesperson for party stated, “Congress is making unfounded allegations to cover up its electoral losses. ECI is an independent body, and its decisions should not be politicized.”
What’s Next?
ECI has assured Congress delegation that it will provide written responses to concerns raised. While timeline for these responses remains unclear, Congress has made it clear that they will continue to press issue both within and outside Parliament.
party has also announced plans to mobilize public support through rallies and awareness campaigns. “This is not just about one election; it is about protecting sanctity of India’s democracy,” Singhvi said.
Conclusion
Congress delegation’s meeting with ECI has brought voter discrepancies in Maharashtra into sharp focus. Whether these concerns will lead to tangible changes in electoral process remains to be seen. However, issues raised underscore need for greater transparency and accountability in India’s electoral system.
As investigation unfolds, citizens and political stakeholders alike will be watching closely, hoping for resolutions that strengthen democratic fabric of nation.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information, statements from political leaders, and reports from Election Commission of India. details provided herein are subject to verification and further investigation. publication does not endorse any political viewpoint or allegations made and urges readers to rely on official updates for most accurate and current information.
