Will the Opposition BJD Challenge Vote Discrepancies in Orissa High Court?
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Synopsis
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is taking serious steps to address alleged electoral irregularities by planning to file a petition with the Orissa High Court. This comes after the party raised concerns with the Election Commission of India, seeking clarity on discrepancies observed during the 2024 general elections. Will justice be served?
Key Takeaways
- BJD's legal challenge against election discrepancies.
- Concerns about ECI's response to vote irregularities.
- High voter turnout reported post 5 p.m.
- Call for comprehensive election audits.
- Potential Supreme Court involvement.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 11 (NationPress) The opposing party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), declared on Monday its intention to approach the Orissa High Court regarding alleged vote discrepancies that occurred during the 2024 general elections.
During a press conference, former Rajya Sabha MP and prominent BJD figure Amar Patnaik revealed that eight months earlier, the party had submitted concerns to the Election Commission of India (ECI) about the voting inconsistencies noticed in both the last assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha. They awaited a response from the central authority.
Patnaik emphasized that the ECI has not provided any satisfactory answers to the concerns raised, prompting the party to escalate the matter to the high court.
He elaborated that the party had highlighted three main issues to the ECI: (1) discrepancies between the total votes cast and counted in all MP constituencies during the 2024 elections; (2) inconsistencies between the total votes counted in all assembly segments of an MP constituency and the total votes counted for that particular MP constituency; and (3) an unusually high voting percentage reported after 5 p.m. across nearly all constituencies.
He claimed that given that voting occurs through EVM machines, a single vote discrepancy is improbable. He pointed out that the highest percentage of voting discrepancies after 5 p.m. was noted in the Keonjhar assembly constituency, where Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi contested and emerged victorious in the 2024 elections.
The former Rajya Sabha MP insisted that the party has urged the ECI to undertake a comprehensive audit of the entire election process—from electoral roll preparation to result announcements—similar to practices in many developed nations. Furthermore, the party called for complete vote verification using the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), rather than limiting it to merely five percent of cases. Additionally, the party sought information via Form 17C, which the ECI refused to provide, citing multiple pending court cases concerning elections in 28 constituencies.
Patnaik mentioned that if necessary, the party would also approach the Supreme Court regarding this matter. Alongside Patnaik, BJD MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo and former MP Sarmistha Sethi also voiced serious allegations against the entire election process during the press conference. Notably, opposition parties, led by the Indian National Congress, have recently raised grave concerns about vote discrepancies in the last elections, demanding answers from the ECI.
Point of View
It is crucial to remain unbiased and present the facts. The BJD's decision to challenge alleged vote discrepancies in the Orissa High Court highlights the ongoing concerns regarding electoral integrity. The legal process will be closely watched, and it is essential to uphold the principles of democracy while seeking accountability from the Election Commission.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BJD's main concern regarding the elections?
The BJD is primarily concerned about discrepancies between the votes cast and counted, inconsistencies within MP constituencies, and unusually high voter turnout reported after 5 p.m.
What action is the BJD planning to take?
The BJD plans to approach the Orissa High Court to address the alleged vote discrepancies and seek a thorough audit of the election process.
Who are the key figures involved in this issue?
Key figures include former Rajya Sabha MP Amar Patnaik, BJD MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo, and former MP Sarmistha Sethi.
What has been the response from the Election Commission?
The Election Commission has not provided satisfactory answers to the concerns raised by the BJD regarding the discrepancies.
What could be the next steps for the BJD?
If necessary, the BJD may escalate the matter to the Supreme Court if their concerns are not adequately addressed.
