New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) stated on Tuesday that there were no “arbitrary additions or deletions of voters” during the recent Maharashtra assembly elections, as reported by PTI. This statement was made in response to allegations from the Congress party, which claimed there were “arbitrary deletions of voters” and the addition of over 10,000 voters in each constituency from the final voter lists.
The Congress party further asserted that there was an “inexplicable increase in voting percentages” from 5 PM to the final voter percentage announced by the EC at 11:30 PM on polling day.
Regarding voter turnout data, the election authority clarified that it is inappropriate to compare the figures from 5 PM with the final results.
The EC elaborated that the increase in voter turnout from 5 PM to 11:45 PM is a “normal” occurrence, part of the aggregation process, and that there can be legitimate but minor discrepancies between the votes cast and those counted.
The election body emphasized that it is impossible to alter actual voter turnout data, as the statutory Form 17C, which details voter turnout, is accessible to authorized agents of candidates at the close of voting at each polling station.
The Commission affirmed that a rule-based and transparent process was adhered to in the preparation of the electoral rolls in Maharashtra, with no irregular patterns observed in voter deletions.
The ECI informed the Congress that due process was observed, including the involvement of Congress representatives in the electoral roll preparation. Additionally, the ECI indicated that all requested data related to electors for each constituency in Maharashtra, along with Form 20, is available for download on the CEO Maharashtra’s website.
In its response, the EC assured its commitment to collaboration through its meticulous, participative, and transparent processes, highlighting the significance of cooperation with all political parties and welcoming constructive feedback.
