The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Rajasthan): Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate expressed concerns about the Election Commission’s lack of action on complaints lodged against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his comments on the “redistribution of wealth.” These remarks, made during a campaign rally in Rajasthan, have been described by Congress as divisive and targeting a specific religious community.
Shrinate emphasized the importance of public trust in institutions like the Election Commission (EC) and suggested that efforts should be made to restore this trust when it’s undermined. “The EC needs to act on our complaints to maintain its credibility. We are now considering legal remedies since there has been no action on our part against the prime minister’s hate speech allegations,” she stated in a discussion with PTI.
The Congress party officially approached the EC on Monday, seeking action against Modi’s statements, which they allege violate the spirit of a fair and impartial election. “We hope for a free and fair election, but current indications suggest otherwise,” Shrinate remarked.
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the functionality and transparency of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Shrinate highlighted issues reported by voters about EVMs, reinforcing the demand by opposition parties for a 100% count of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) to ensure election integrity, a proposal not yet accepted by the EC.
This ongoing dispute underscores deepening tensions between the Congress party and the Election Commission in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, reflecting broader concerns about electoral fairness and the independence of India’s democratic institutions.