The Election Commission of India (ECI) has firmly dismissed the Congress party’s allegations regarding irregularities in the recent Haryana elections, labelling them as baseless and lacking factual support. In a letter addressed to the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, the poll authority noted that this is “least expected” of a national political party.
The ECI urged them to refrain from making unfounded accusations and criticized their tendency to raise vague doubts surrounding electoral processes. It further highlighted that such irresponsible allegations, especially during sensitive periods like polling and counting days, could potentially incite public unrest and chaos.
Citing five specific instances over the past year, the ECI called on the long-established national party to exercise caution and refrain from habitual critiques of electoral operations without credible evidence.
“The commission appreciates the criticality of the considered views of political parties in sustaining and strengthening electoral democracy in the country and assures that it will remain committed towards timely grievance redressal,” it said.
The commission added that such “frivolous and unfounded” doubts have the potential of creating “turbulence” when crucial steps like polling and counting are in live play, a time when both public and political parties’ anxiousness is peaking.
Addressing concerns raised about the battery display status in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the ECI clarified that battery voltage and capacity have no bearing on the vote-counting process or the integrity of the machines.
The display of battery status on the Control Unit is merely a feature to help technical teams monitor power levels, ensuring smooth functioning during polling. Any insinuation that battery levels impact voting outcomes was deemed “preposterous.”
The Commission also cautioned against making sweeping generalizations and irresponsible claims about EVMs, which have consistently proven their reliability in judicial reviews and form the backbone of India’s electoral system.
The ECI referenced 42 judgments by constitutional courts that have upheld the credibility of EVMs, reinforcing their role in facilitating the democratic process across diverse political landscapes.
