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MP Questions ECI on Voter Discrepancy
Concerns Over Maharashtra Voter Turnout Discrepancy
CPI-M Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has brought attention to alleged anomalies in voter turnout figures from the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly elections. In a letter to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Brittas emphasized the need for a detailed clarification to maintain the credibility of the electoral process.
Congress Flags Serious Inconsistencies
Two days before Brittas’ letter, the Congress party raised concerns over “serious and grave inconsistencies” in the polling and counting processes. The discrepancies highlighted include significant changes in voter turnout figures reported during and after polling.
Allegations of 76 Lakh Additional Votes
Brittas outlined that the turnout recorded at 5 PM on polling day was 58.22%. By 11:30 PM, the turnout surged to 65.02%, accounting for an increase of approximately 76 lakh votes. The figure was later updated to 66.05% before counting commenced. This 7.83% increase raised questions about the logistical feasibility of accommodating such a large number of votes after polling hours.
Election Commission’s Response
The ECI responded to these concerns, asserting that there was no discrepancy in the voter turnout data. It emphasized that the data is available polling station-wise and can be verified. The Commission assured transparency and invited Congress representatives for discussions on December 3 to address their concerns.
Comparison with Other States
Brittas pointed out that similar surges were not observed in other states. For instance, Jharkhand elections reported post-poll turnout increases of just 1.79% and 0.86% in two phases. He further noted that significant post-poll surges in Maharashtra and Haryana coincided with the NDA’s victories, while states like Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh with negligible surges saw the Opposition perform better.
Call for Greater Transparency
Brittas expressed confidence in the ECI’s mechanisms but urged for a thorough review to enhance transparency. He proposed the constitution of an expert committee to analyze voter turnout data and its logistical feasibility. Additionally, he requested the release of comparative data from other states to address alleged disparities.
Congress’ Memorandum to ECI
The Congress memorandum highlighted concerns over arbitrary deletion and addition of voters in Maharashtra’s final voter lists. They questioned the unexplained increase in voter turnout from 5 PM to the final percentage reported at 11:30 PM. Congress leaders also referred to a former Chief Election Commissioner raising similar questions, underscoring the need for a transparent investigation.
BJP’s Landslide Victory Amid Controversy
Despite the concerns, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a landslide victory, winning 230 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. In contrast, the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a significant setback, with Congress registering one of its worst performances by winning only 16 seats.
Implications for Electoral Integrity
Observers have noted that unusual voter turnout patterns may correlate with election outcomes favoring specific political blocs. While these correlations might be coincidental, they risk undermining public confidence in the electoral process. Experts argue that historical data shows average post-poll turnout increases of around 1%, making Maharashtra’s 7.83% surge “mystifying.”
Need for Procedural Safeguards
Brittas concluded his letter by urging the ECI to issue a detailed explanation of the post-poll turnout surge in Maharashtra. He emphasized the importance of outlining procedural safeguards and methodologies to uphold electoral transparency and public trust in democratic processes.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and official statements. The content does not intend to allege misconduct but seeks to highlight concerns raised for a transparent electoral process.
