Is the ECI Right to Call NYT's Report 'Misleading'?
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Synopsis
In a recent development, the Election Commission of India has refuted a New York Times report suggesting voter list manipulation by Opposition parties. This article delves into the ECI's rebuttal, the transparency of the electoral process, and the implications for democracy in India. Read on to uncover the facts behind the claims.
Key Takeaways
- The ECI has dismissed allegations of voter list manipulation as misleading.
- The Commission emphasizes transparency in the electoral revision process.
- Political parties have not lodged any complaints regarding the draft electoral rolls.
- A significant number of new voters have applied for inclusion in the voter list.
- Ongoing monitoring of claims and objections is being conducted.
New Delhi, Aug 12 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday labeled a report from The New York Times as "misleading" regarding accusations from Opposition leaders about manipulation of the voter list.
In a fact-check aimed at countering the NYT article titled "Hundreds of Indian Lawmakers Detained at a Protest Claiming Vote Rigging," the ECI released a social media post featuring links to videos that portray the "actual situation on the ground" during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar.
These videos include statements from representatives of various political parties, such as Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and the Left.
The electoral body rejected as "incorrect" the claims made by protesting Opposition leaders regarding alleged voter list manipulation.
Detailing discussions held with political parties prior to the release of the draft electoral roll in Bihar, as well as during and after its publication, the ECI asserted that it upheld the utmost level of transparency throughout the process.
The ECI emphasized that accurate electoral rolls are vital for strengthening democracy and shared the official order concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar.
This fact-check was released shortly after Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, spearheaded a protest by the INDIA Bloc parties from Parliament to the ECI’s office at Nirvachan Sadan in Delhi.
Additionally, the ECI circulated its daily bulletin on the SIR, noting that after 12 days since the publication of the electoral draft rolls, no political party had lodged any complaints.
The bulletin indicated that the Bihar Chief Electoral Office (CEO) and its Electoral Registration Officer (EROs) had resolved 341 claims and objections submitted directly by voters regarding the inclusion of names in the draft voter list and the removal of ineligible voters.
As of now, the election office has received a total of 13,970 claims and objections from voters pertaining to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, according to the ECI bulletin.
According to regulations, claims and objections are addressed by the ERO/AERO after a 7-day verification period of eligibility documents.
Since the commencement of the SIR on August 1, a total of 63,591 new voters who have reached the age of 18 have submitted applications for inclusion in the voter list.
Point of View
It is crucial to maintain an unbiased perspective. The Election Commission of India has taken a firm stance against allegations of voter list manipulation, emphasizing transparency and the integrity of the electoral process. It is essential to uphold democratic principles and ensure that all voices are heard while scrutinizing claims made by political entities.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the ECI say about the NYT report?
The ECI labeled the report as 'misleading' and rejected the claims made by Opposition leaders regarding voter list manipulation.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The SIR is a process undertaken to revise electoral rolls in a transparent manner, ensuring that eligible voters are included and ineligible ones are excluded.
How many claims and objections has the ECI received?
The ECI has received a total of 13,970 claims and objections concerning the SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar.
Who led the protest against the ECI?
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, led the protest by the INDIA Bloc parties.
How many new voters have applied to be included in the voter list?
Since August 1, a total of 63,591 new voters have submitted applications for inclusion in the voter list.
