Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has strongly refuted allegations concerning the recent Maharashtra Assembly Elections, reaffirming that the entire electoral process was conducted transparently and in strict accordance with the law.
In a detailed statement, the ECI addressed concerns raised over the voting trends and the credibility of electoral rolls. According to the Commission, 6.4 crore voters participated in the elections between 7 AM and 6 PM. On average, 58 lakh votes were cast every hour. Based on this trend, approximately 1.16 crore votes could have been cast in the last two hours of polling. However, only 65 lakh votes were recorded during that period—significantly below the projected average—undermining claims of irregularities.
The ECI also pointed out that voting at each booth occurred in the presence of polling agents formally appointed by political parties, including the Indian National Congress (INC). These agents, along with INC-nominated candidates, did not raise any formal or substantiated complaints of malpractice during the post-poll scrutiny conducted by the Returning Officers and Election Observers.
Addressing doubts over the electoral rolls, the ECI clarified that these were prepared following the provisions of the Representation of People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. Special Summary Revisions were conducted, and final copies of the rolls were provided to all recognized political parties, including the INC.
Out of nearly 9.78 crore registered voters in Maharashtra, only 89 appeals were filed with the District Magistrates (the first appellate authority), and just one appeal reached the Chief Electoral Officer (the second appellate authority). The ECI stated this reflects a general consensus and acceptance of the rolls by all political parties before the elections.
The Commission further informed that during the electoral roll revision, 1,03,727 Booth Level Agents were appointed by various political parties, including 27,099 by the INC. These agents worked alongside 97,325 Booth Level Officers to ensure fairness at 1,00,427 polling stations across the state. The ECI described the recent criticisms of the rolls as “unsubstantiated” and “an affront to the rule of law.”
The Commission reminded the public and political parties that it had already addressed these issues in a formal response to the INC on December 24, 2024, which remains accessible on its website.
“The scale, accuracy, and integrity with which Indian elections are conducted have been globally recognized,” the ECI emphasized. It also highlighted the dedication of lakhs of government employees and party-appointed representatives who ensure smooth conduct from polling to counting.
The statement concluded with a strong warning against spreading misinformation: “Casting aspersions on the Election Commission after an unfavourable electoral outcome is not only baseless but deeply disrespectful to the democratic process and the tireless efforts of election staff.”
The ECI reiterated its commitment to free, fair, and lawful elections and urged all stakeholders to uphold the sanctity of the democratic process.
