The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday, expressing surprise over the poll body criticizing him for allegedly “obstructing” the ongoing Lok Sabha election process. Kharge highlighted the “pressures” the ECI is working under and clarified his stance regarding his earlier letter.
On May 7, Kharge had written to the leaders of the INDIA bloc, pointing out alleged discrepancies in the voting data released by the ECI. In his recent reply to the Commission, Kharge stated, “The letter, even though an open letter, is clearly addressed to our alliance partners and not to the Commission. It is surprising that the Election Commission of India wanted to respond to this letter while ignoring several other complaints given directly to it. I have certain misgivings about the language of the letter, but I will not press on that issue as I understand the pressures they are working under.”
Kharge criticized the ECI’s contradictory stance on citizen’s rights, stating, “On one hand, the Commission says it respects citizens’ right to ask questions, and on the other hand, it threatens citizens in the form of advice to exercise caution. I am happy that the Commission understands that it has the mandate to conduct smooth, free, and fair elections under the Constitution. However, the lack of urgency shown by the Commission in taking action against blatantly communal and casteist statements made by the leaders of the ruling party that vitiate the electoral process seems puzzling.”
Kharge also expressed confusion over the ECI’s view on publishing voter turnout data. “Many voters who are deeply interested in the elections would also like to see the absolute number of votes polled to be put out in the public domain by the Commission directly,” he said.
He reiterated the Congress party’s support for the Commission, urging EC officials to decide their stance. “Finally, I would like to say I am disappointed that the Commission did not quote another line from the letter which said, ‘it should be our collective endeavor to safeguard Democracy and protect the independent functioning of the ECI.’ To make it more clear, the Congress party is on the side of the Commission and stands for the strength and independence of the Commission. The officials of the Commission should now decide where they stand,” Kharge wrote.
The ECI had previously rejected Kharge’s contentions, calling them insinuations and innuendos. The Commission asserted that there was no lapse or deviation in the collection and dissemination of voter turnout data, provided point-by-point counters to Kharge’s claims, and condemned his statement suggesting an attempt to doctor the final results. The ECI warned that such statements could create an anarchic situation and undermine trust in the electoral process.
On May 7, Kharge had urged INDIA bloc leaders to raise their voices against the voting data discrepancies, emphasizing the need to protect the culture of a vibrant democracy and the Constitution.
