Did Maharashtra CEO Refute Rahul Gandhi's Allegations on Voter Manipulation?
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra CEO has refuted Rahul Gandhi's allegations of electoral fraud, stating significant increases in voter registration and clarifying the legal processes involved. This article delves into the details of the CEO's response and the electoral roll revision procedure, emphasizing transparency and accuracy in the electoral process.
Key Takeaways
- 1.39 crore total voters added from 2019 to 2024 elections.
- Net increase of 40.81 lakh voters post 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
- Young voters (18-29) account for over 26 lakh additions.
- Electoral rolls prepared by 288 EROs across the state.
- Annual revisions involve close collaboration with political parties.
Mumbai, June 12 (NationPress) The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Maharashtra, S. Chockalingam, addressed the claims made by the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding alleged rigging and manipulation in last year’s state Assembly elections. He clarified that the total increase in voters from the 2019 Assembly elections to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was 1.39 crore, with an additional 48.82 lakh voters from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to the 2024 Assembly polls.
According to the CEO, there was a net growth of 32.25 lakh voters from the 2019 Assembly elections to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, resulting from 1.39 crore new registrations and 1.07 crore deletions. The net addition of voters post the 2024 Lok Sabha elections stood at 40.81 lakh, with over 26 lakh of these being young voters aged between 18 and 29 years.
Responding to Rahul Gandhi's severe claims regarding voter additions and deletions, the CEO stated, "It is essential to clarify that Indian electoral laws do not allow for centralized voter modifications. Under the Representation of People's Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, electoral rolls are compiled at the polling station level by 288 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), who conduct field verifications with the help of nearly one lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs). Political parties, including the Congress, were given numerous opportunities to submit objections and appeals during this process."
He further explained that just prior to the Maharashtra Assembly elections in August 2024, a special summary revision of the electoral rolls was performed, ensuring that draft and finalized electoral rolls were shared with all recognized political parties, including Congress, enabling them to present their claims and objections. According to Chockalingam, the information provided by Rahul Gandhi is misleading.
Regarding the concern about the number of voters exceeding the estimated adult population, the CEO noted that population estimates cannot dictate voter registration. Voter registration is based on actual forms submitted by individuals, verified and processed by EROs, with transparency maintained by sharing information with all recognized political parties throughout the process.
He highlighted that during the electoral roll revision, booth level agents (BLAs) from recognized political parties are actively involved. Congress had appointed 28,421 BLAs in Maharashtra, and no significant complaints were raised until after the election results were announced. This issue has only surfaced post-results.
Chockalingam emphasized that electoral rolls undergo annual revisions through a collaborative effort, with recognized political parties receiving free access to both draft and finalized versions of the electoral rolls, a practice consistent since 2009. A complete copy of the electoral roll used for the 2024 Assembly elections is publicly available for download on their website. According to Rule 33 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, anyone, including representatives from Congress, can request a copy of the electoral rolls from the District Election Officer upon payment of the necessary fee.
He reiterated that he has previously addressed the statutory matters concerning the electoral rolls with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who had requested a copy of these rolls. The electoral rolls had already been provided to Congress during the revision process.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach the ongoing discourse around electoral integrity with a focus on transparency and factual evidence. The statements made by the Maharashtra CEO highlight the procedural rigor in maintaining electoral rolls, which underscores the importance of adhering to established electoral laws. It is imperative for all political parties to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to unfounded allegations, ensuring the credibility of democratic processes.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Maharashtra CEO say about voter additions?
The Maharashtra CEO, S. Chockalingam, stated that there was a gross addition of 1.39 crore voters from the 2019 Assembly elections to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and 48.82 lakh from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to the 2024 Assembly polls.
How does the voter registration process work in Maharashtra?
Voter registration in Maharashtra is conducted by 288 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) at the polling station level, with field verifications by Booth Level Officers (BLOs), ensuring transparency and opportunities for political parties to present objections.
What measures are in place to ensure electoral roll accuracy?
Electoral rolls are revised annually, and recognized political parties receive copies of the draft and finalized rolls, allowing for claims and objections. This process has been consistent since 2009.
What is the role of Booth Level Agents (BLAs)?
Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from recognized political parties assist in the electoral roll revision process and are involved in ensuring the accuracy of voter registrations.
How can individuals access the electoral rolls?
Individuals can request access to electoral rolls from the District Election Officer, available for a fee, as per Rule 33 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
