The Election Commission of India (ECI) has responded to ongoing concerns and allegations related to the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections. In a press release issued on April 22, 2025, the ECI outlined several key points to clarify the facts and reaffirm the transparency of the electoral process.
Clarification on Voting Trends
The ECI addressed concerns about the number of votes cast in the final two hours of polling. It explained that, based on previous election trends, the number of 65 lakh votes cast during these two hours was well within reasonable limits. The average hourly voting in the Maharashtra elections was 58 lakh, and the final two-hour turnout was actually lower than the expected rate.
Polling Booth Transparency
The Commission emphasized that polling agents, officially appointed by political parties and candidates, were present at all polling stations. The process was carefully monitored, and no substantial complaints were raised by any political party, including the Indian National Congress (INC), during the scrutiny process. This reassures the public that the election process remained transparent and fair.
Electoral Rolls Preparation
The preparation of electoral rolls is conducted as per the Representation of People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. The ECI highlighted that the final electoral rolls for Maharashtra were shared with all political parties, including the INC. Only 89 appeals were made regarding the electoral rolls, indicating minimal disputes or concerns from any political party.
Booth Level Agents and Election Monitoring
The ECI also pointed out that for the Maharashtra elections, over 1,00,000 polling booths were supported by more than 1 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by political parties, including 27,099 by the INC. This extensive network of agents ensured that the election process was well-monitored at all levels.
Previous Clarifications to INC
The Commission reminded the public that a detailed response addressing similar concerns was already provided to the INC in December 2024. Despite this, the allegations continue to be raised without proper consideration of the facts.
Upholding the Rule of Law
In conclusion, the ECI emphasized the integrity of the election process in India, which is recognized globally for its scale and accuracy. Any attempts to discredit the election process without evidence not only undermine the credibility of the Election Commission but also demoralize the thousands of election staff who work tirelessly to ensure free and fair elections.
The Election Commission’s response serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the electoral process and the law. Elections in India are conducted with transparency, and the ECI remains committed to upholding the integrity of the system.(PR)