Election Commission Acknowledges Congress' Request for Direct Meeting Regarding Maharashtra Elections, Schedules Delegation for December 3
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New Delhi, Nov 30 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday addressed the concerns raised by Congress regarding the Maharashtra Assembly elections and responded to their urgent memorandum by agreeing to an in-person meeting with the electoral body.
While dismissing the Congress allegations of ‘grave inconsistencies and sudden spike' in voter turnout post 5 p.m. on election day, the Commission clarified that voter turnout data was continuously refreshed on the Voter Turnout App.
The ECI also expressed its willingness to provide a comprehensive response to the ‘red-flagged’ issues as soon as possible, and invited the Congress delegation to present their case on December 3 at 5 p.m.
In a statement, the Commission noted, “After suitably hearing you further in-person, the Commission will convey its detailed reply to the issues raised in your letter at the earliest possible time.”
The ECI further explained that it had previously shared information regarding the discrepancies between the polling percentage (as reported by the ECI) at 5 p.m. and the final polling figures, addressing this specifically with the Congress party.
Importantly, the Congress party submitted a 12-page memorandum to the Election Commission on Friday, pointing out concerns over ‘discrepancy and inconsistencies’ in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. They also referenced similar ‘doubts and suspicion’ raised by former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi.
The Congress asserted that there was a systematic endeavor to diminish the number of voters (and votes) ‘sympathetic to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (Cong-SS-NCP-SP) alliance’. “It is significant to note that out of the 50 Assembly seats, where there was an average increase of 50,000 voters, the ruling regime and its allies secured victory from 47…” stated the Congress.
Another major concern highlighted was the surge in voter turnout from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., which they suggested might explain the electoral setbacks faced by the MVA.
The INC indicated that the EC's average voter turnout at 5 p.m. was 58.22 percent, which rose to 65.02 percent by 11:30 p.m., illustrating discrepancies in voter turnout data.
