||Black and White Digital News ||

||October 30,2024||

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has dismissed the Congress party’s allegations of irregularities in the Haryana assembly elections, calling them “baseless and devoid of facts.” The recent assembly election saw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing a third consecutive victory over the Congress, a result that the latter challenged by raising concerns about electoral transparency. The ECI’s strong-worded response warns that such accusations without evidence could trigger public unrest and undermine the electoral process.

This exchange follows a series of complaints by Congress regarding the conduct of elections, specifically targeting the handling of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the role of polling officers. The friction reflects a larger pattern of distrust between opposition parties and the poll body over the credibility of India’s electoral framework.

The Allegations and ECI’s Response:

Congress’s primary complaint, raised during an October 9 meeting with the ECI, revolved around an alleged inconsistency during the counting process. The party questioned the display of a 99% battery status on the Control Unit (CU) of some EVMs in 26 constituencies, suggesting a potential malfunction or manipulation. This concern was part of a broader narrative questioning the fairness of the election results.

In response, the ECI cited a detailed investigation conducted by the Haryana Chief Election Officer (CEO), who found no evidence of wrongdoing. According to the CEO’s report, Congress candidates and their agents were actively involved in all electoral processes, including the handling of EVMs.

To address the battery status concern, the ECI stated that it has revised its official FAQ to clarify EVM power-related details, indicating that no procedural lapses occurred. The commission emphasized that Returning Officers (ROs) reported smooth election management, with no discrepancies in vote counting or technical failures in the polling process.

ECI’s Criticism of Congress’s Conduct:

In a scathing letter, the ECI criticized the Congress for making what it described as “generic” and recurring allegations about electoral outcomes. It argued that these accusations, raised without evidence during critical stages such as polling and counting days, could lead to public unrest. The commission highlighted five recent instances over the past year where similar accusations were made, urging Congress to exercise “due diligence” in its claims.

The letter also appealed to the Congress, referring to its “long and illustrious standing,” to adopt a more responsible approach when raising doubts about election results. It warned that repeated, unfounded allegations could set a negative precedent, potentially undermining public trust in the democratic process.

The Larger Political Implications:

The ongoing tension between the Congress and the Election Commission reflects a broader issue of declining trust in India’s electoral processes among opposition parties. Allegations of EVM tampering have been a recurring theme in elections across India, with opposition leaders often expressing concerns about the lack of transparency. However, the ECI has consistently defended the integrity of the EVMs, citing independent audits and the active involvement of party representatives in the voting and counting processes.

The ECI’s response to the Congress carries significant political implications. By publicly dismissing the allegations and cautioning against “irresponsible” behavior, the commission is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate attempts to delegitimize electoral outcomes without solid evidence.

On the other hand, Congress’s allegations reflect the frustration of a party struggling to regain electoral dominance in key states. With the BJP achieving consecutive victories in Haryana, the Congress faces an uphill battle in maintaining relevance, and contesting the election process becomes a way to mobilize support and project itself as a watchdog of democracy.

A Call for Responsibility Amid Democratic Contestation:

The ECI’s stern response underscores the importance of trust and responsibility in India’s electoral processes. While it is essential for political parties to raise legitimate concerns about electoral transparency, unfounded allegations can have severe repercussions, including public unrest and erosion of institutional credibility. The commission’s letter serves as both a warning and a plea to political stakeholders to exercise caution and act responsibly in electoral matters.

The BJP’s victory in Haryana adds another chapter to the party’s electoral momentum, while the Congress faces a critical juncture, needing to balance political opposition with constructive engagement. The future of democratic discourse in India may depend on how both political parties and the election commission navigate these challenges.