Did Congress Suffer Setback in 2024 LS Polls Due to BJP's Misuse of EC?

Bengaluru, July 24 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted on Thursday that the Congress party's struggles in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were a direct result of the BJP's alleged misuse of the Election Commission.

In his press statement, CM Siddaramaiah remarked: "The results of the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka have not only taken us by surprise but have also raised numerous questions. It's becoming increasingly clear that the primary factor behind the Congress party's difficulties in this election was the BJP's manipulation of the Election Commission to execute irregularities."

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has been systematically unveiling the wrongdoings associated with the Election Commission, sharing insights into the electoral discrepancies in Karnataka, according to the CM.

"I fully support Rahul Gandhi's assertion that there is irrefutable evidence of misconduct by the Election Commission in Karnataka. In various constituencies statewide, our party workers have lodged complaints regarding unexpected additions of new voters as well as the removal of existing voter names," he alleged.

The Chief Minister claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's electoral successes are not attributed to his popularity or the BJP's governmental achievements, but are instead a consequence of "vote theft" orchestrated via the Election Commission.

"We will confer with Rahul Gandhi and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge to determine the appropriate steps regarding these electoral irregularities in Karnataka," he stated.

In response to Rahul Gandhi's claims of electoral misconduct during the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka, former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA C.N. Ashwathnarayan countered: "The Congress was in power during those elections. His accusations are groundless, and we denounce them. The Election Commission and government should address this issue."

Among the 28 Lok Sabha seats in the state, the BJP secured 17 seats, while the ruling Congress party, anticipating a significant victory post-implementation of the guarantee schemes, only managed to win 9 seats. The JD (S) clinched 2 seats.

Responding to Rahul Gandhi's allegations concerning the Election Commission of India (ECI) and claims of possessing concrete evidence of ECI facilitating electoral fraud in Karnataka, the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka dismissed the allegations, asserting that the Electoral Rolls are compiled transparently and disseminated to recognized parties.

Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukumar stated on Thursday, "As per law, appeals may be filed regarding incorrect additions or deletions in the Electoral Rolls. No appeals have been received."

Rahul Gandhi declared, "The Election Commission is failing to act as the Election Commission of India. Their recent statements are utterly absurd. The reality is that the Election Commission is neglecting its duties. We now possess undeniable, 100 percent proof of the Election Commission permitting electoral fraud in a Karnataka seat."