'No Irregular Pattern, Impossible To Change Turnout': ECI On Congress Allegations In Maharashtra Polls

The Election Commission refuted claims of irregularities in Maharashtra elections. The ECI clarified voting turnout and electoral roll revisions, refuting concerns over a gap between votes polled and counted.

File Photo of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar

Source : PTI

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday issued a detailed response to the Congress, addressing concerns over voter turnout and allegations of irregularities in the electoral rolls during the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections. The Commission highlighted the transparency of India’s electoral system while refuting the claims made by the Congress.  

The Congress raised concerns over an "inexplicable increase" in voter turnout figures between 5 PM and the final data and alleged discrepancies in votes polled versus votes counted. It also questioned the addition and deletion of voters from the electoral rolls, claiming these actions influenced the outcomes in certain constituencies.  

Clarifying the voter turnout process, the ECI emphasised that comparing interim figures with final polling data is fundamentally flawed. The voter turnout figures displayed on the Voter Turnout App at 5 PM are provisional and aggregated trends, while the final data is based on statutory Form 17C, which reflects actual votes cast. These processes are rigorous and leave no room for manipulation, said the Election Commission.  

The ECI explained that updates on the Voter Turnout App are collected periodically through sector magistrates using varied methods, including phone calls and messaging groups. Delays in data collection and transmission, particularly from remote polling stations, may cause interim figures to lag behind actual turnout. Polling continues beyond 5 PM for voters in queues, and final data aggregation often extends late into the night, as per the ECI.  

To ensure transparency, Form 17C, which records voter turnout at each polling station, is signed by polling agents and provided to candidates’ representatives immediately after the close of polls. An immutable co-shared record comes into being at the polling station, “ruling out any possibility of manipulation,” the ECI reiterated.  

ECI On Additions And Deletions In Maharashtra Electoral Roll

The ECI categorically dismissed concerns over discrepancies between votes polled and votes counted, stating that minor differences are reconciled during the counting process under strict scrutiny by observers and candidates’ agents. 

The Congress alleged that over 50,000 voters were added in each of 50 constituencies where the ruling coalition won 47 seats. The ECI termed this claim "misleading and factually incorrect," stating that such additions occurred in only six constituencies. It further clarified that the Congress was actively involved in the revision process and provided with draft rolls and claims data at every stage.

"You may appreciate that number of 50 constituencies in Maharashtra having more than 50000 additions and that 47 have been won by the ruling regime and its allies was all over in the news, since your letter was made public. You will agree that such baseless accusations coming from a National Party of high standing creates unnecessary and avoidable doubts and anxiety in the mind of the public, even when the data is publicly available and timely shared with all parties," the ECI stated.

The Congress raised concerns about voter list manipulation in Tuljapur, where the ECI confirmed that an FIR was filed against individuals using fake Aadhaar cards for registration. The case is under investigation.

Addressing allegations of arbitrary additions and deletions in the voter rolls, the ECI stated that these processes follow a rigorous framework, involving field verification, public notices, and opportunities for objections. Between the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, over 40.81 lakh voters were added, including 26.46 lakh young voters aged 18-29 years. "...out of 40,81,229 electors added during the period, 8,72,094 electors of 18-19 age group and 17,74,514 electors of 20-29 age group were added in the electoral roll. Thus, 26,46,608 young electors falling in the age group of 18-29 were added out of total addition of 40,81,229 electors during the period. This is a welcome trend of participation of youth, the future of our democracy. Thus, the additions made during the period in a large state like
Maharashtra have no visible abnormal trend," noted the poll body.  

The Election Commission also dismissed allegations of mass deletions, stating that the average deletion per constituency was only 2,779 and primarily involved deceased or shifted voters. Deletions are carried out only after proper verification, including field reports, notices to affected voters, and opportunities for hearings, the ECI clarified.  

The ECI addressed the perceived gap between votes polled and votes counted, asserting that any minor differences are reconciled during the counting process under strict scrutiny by observers and candidate representatives. In the electoral system, every stage of the process is open to scrutiny by all stakeholders, the Commission emphasised.  

The poll body also elaborated on logistical challenges affecting data aggregation, citing examples such as difficult terrains, weather conditions, and varying geographical constraints in Maharashtra. These factors, it explained, occasionally delay updates to the Voter Turnout App but do not impact the final voter turnout figures.  

To educate stakeholders and the public, the ECI published detailed notes and FAQs explaining voter turnout processes and the aggregation of polling data. These resources, available on the ECI’s website, aim to dispel misconceptions and promote understanding of the electoral system.  

The ECI concluded its response by reaffirming the integrity of the electoral process. “The credibility of the Indian electoral system is globally recognised. Our processes are layered with transparency and participation, ensuring elections remain free, fair, and credible,” it stated. The Commission urged political parties to refrain from creating unwarranted doubts and reiterated its commitment to collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen democratic processes.