Why is the Punjab BJP Alarmed Over the Delay in Rural Poll Results?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The BJP is concerned about delays in rural election results.
- Only 40% of results have been declared after 33 hours of counting.
- Electronic voting machines are advocated for transparency.
- Allegations of vote manipulation have surfaced from opposition parties.
- The need for electoral reforms is emphasized to restore public trust.
Chandigarh, Dec 20 (NationPress) The BJP raised serious concerns on Saturday regarding the significant delay in announcing the results of the Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections in rural Punjab.
After 33 hours of counting, only about 40 percent of the seats have had their results declared, highlighting a troubling administrative failure and prompting questions about the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.
In response to the situation, Pritpal Singh Baliawal, the state spokesperson for BJP Punjab, remarked that this unacceptable delay underscores the necessity of electronic voting machines (EVMs) for conducting elections that are free, fair, transparent, and timely.
Baliawal emphasized that elections based on ballot papers have once again proven to be inefficient and susceptible to manipulation.
He further indicated that using ballot-paper voting invariably results in prolonged counting delays, significant rejection of valid votes, and a heightened risk of manipulation, including the potential for fake ballot printing.
The reports of millions of votes being rejected and results taking days to be finalized have severely undermined public trust in the democratic process.
Moreover, Baliawal noted that even leaders from Punjab Congress have openly accused the AAP government of vote manipulation and fake ballot printing during these elections, which exacerbates the situation further.
Baliawal challenged the silence of the Congress high command and urged Rahul Gandhi to demand clarity from the Aam Aadmi Party regarding the collapse of the counting process in Punjab.
“When results are delayed endlessly, and votes are rejected on a massive scale, the integrity of the entire electoral exercise stands compromised. Voters deserve transparency, efficiency, and trust, not confusion, delays, and political maneuvering,” Baliawal asserted.
He concluded by stating that those who thrive on manipulation and chaos are apprehensive of EVMs since they guarantee rejection-free voting, quicker counting, and complete transparency.
The BJP reaffirmed its call for electoral reforms aimed at bolstering democracy and restoring voter confidence in the electoral system.