Warning Issued to Congress Chief M Kharge by Poll Body Regarding Baseless Voter Turnout Charge

The Election Commission issued a sharp response to Mr. Kharge’s allegations, describing them as “insinuations and innuendos”. They criticized him for making public what was meant to be internal correspondence within a political group, and condemned his question about the possible doctoring of final results, stating that it could create doubts and disharmony. The Congress responded by calling the EC’s reaction a “permanent blot” on the institution’s reputation and promised to address the matter during their scheduled meeting with the Election Commission. The EC addressed Mr. Kharge’s allegations point by point, disputing claims about voter turnout increases and data release delays.

They provided a factual matrix of figures from previous elections to support their rebuttal. The Commission expressed displeasure with Mr. Kharge’s post, stating that his comments could create disharmony and doubts among voters and political parties. Mr. Kharge had also questioned the timing of voter turnout data release and raised concerns about the functioning of EVMs. He urged leaders of other political parties to hold the Election Commission accountable and safeguard its independence, emphasizing the need to protect democracy and the independent functioning of the ECI.

Overall, the response from the Election Commission highlighted their commitment to transparency in the electoral process and expressed faith in the stakeholders and people of India to hold such observations in contempt.