'Deliberate Attempt To Spread Confusion': EC Raps Kharge's Charge Over Delay In Voter Turnout Data

The Election Commission of India on Friday dismissed allegations of mismanagement and delay in the release of turnout data made by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge.

The commission stated that the allegations made by the Congress President were baseless and aimed at creating confusion, misdirection, and obstacles in the ongoing polls. Such unfounded claims could negatively influence voter participation and undermine the morale of the extensive election machinery across states.

In a strongly worded response to the Congress President, the ECI condemned his statements as an attack on the essential functioning of live election operations. It reaffirmed its commitment to combat any factors that directly affect its core responsibilities.

The commission acknowledged Kharge's letter to INDI alliance leaders regarding voter turnout data but deemed it highly undesirable. Rejecting Kharge's assertions as insinuations and innuendos, the ECI asserted that there had been no lapses or deviations in the collection and dissemination of voter turnout data. It thoroughly reviewed all past and present procedures and practices, providing detailed refutations to counter Kharge's claims.

The commission firmly denied any delay in providing turnout data, stating that updated figures consistently surpassed those reported on polling days. Providing a factual timeline from the 2019 general election onwards, the commission debunked claims of delays.

Citing a troubling pattern of irresponsible statements from the INC, both past and present, the Commission expressed alarm over this trend. It criticised the Congress President for attempting to push a biased narrative despite the established facts. The ECI specifically condemned Kharge's statement, "Could this be an attempt to doctor the final results," denouncing it as contemptuous and warning of its potential to sow chaos, doubts, and discord.

On May 7, Mallikarjun Kharge penned a letter to leaders of the INDIA bloc, addressing alleged discrepancies in voting data released by the Election Commission (EC).

Kharge urged the INDIA bloc leaders to voice concerns over these discrepancies, highlighting the importance of safeguarding democratic principles and the Constitution. The Congress president asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party are showing signs of frustration and agitation due to the shifting voting trends and their diminishing electoral prospects in the initial phases.

In a post on X, Kharge said, "On 30th April 2024, the Election Commission released the final voter turnout data for the first 2 phases of elections for the 2024 Lok Sabha. The data was released 11 days after the first phase of polling (19th April 2024) and 4 days after the Second Phase (26th April 2024).

In this regard our first question for the Election Commission is - Why did the Commission delay the release of voter turnout data? On earlier occasions, the Commission has published voter turnout data within 24 hours of polling. What has changed this time? Why has the Commission failed to issue any clarification to justify the delay, despite being repeatedly questioned by political parties as well as political activists?"