Did CEC Respond to Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations?

New Delhi, Aug 17 (NationPress) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar delivered a robust response to claims that challenge the integrity of the Election Commission of India (ECI), indirectly addressing assertions made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding supposed discrepancies in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura constituency and the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

During a well-attended press conference at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, the CEC emphasized that the ECI operates within a stringent legal framework established by the Representation of the People Act (RPA), and that political entities or candidates possess ample legal avenues to raise concerns throughout the electoral process.

“Every candidate is entitled to appoint polling agents, with the lists already submitted at polling stations. If an unauthorized individual attempts to vote or if double voting is attempted, polling agents have the authority to object immediately. Post-counting, the Returning Officer announces the results. If there are any issues, the law is explicit – you can approach the Supreme Court within 45 days to contest the election,” explained the CEC.

While not directly naming Rahul Gandhi, Kumar pointed out that making allegations months after the results are declared, without following due process, erodes public confidence. “When 45 days have elapsed and no party or candidate has contested the results, what purpose does it serve to make baseless allegations now? The public can see through this,” he remarked.

The Congress leader previously alleged that nearly 100,000 votes were “manipulated” in the Mahadevapura seat in Karnataka, a claim that the ECI has vehemently refuted. Kumar also outlined the grievance procedures available to political parties and citizens.

“According to the RPA, any elector within the constituency can lodge a complaint by completing Form 6, 7, or 8. Even Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from political parties can submit up to 10 forms each to the Booth Level Officer, but this necessitates a sworn statement. If you are not an elector of the constituency, the only option is to present your complaint as a witness, accompanied by an oath administered before the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO),” he stated.

Stressing that the ECI comprises a compact team of around 800 officials supported by a nationwide administrative framework, Kumar stated: “From the Chief Electoral Officer in each state to the officers at the booth level, the whole system is designed to guarantee free and fair elections.”

The CEC’s statements arrive at a time when the opposition has intensified its scrutiny of the Commission ahead of significant elections in Bihar.