This Statement has been issued by Madhav Deshpande with 40 plus years of experience in the field of Computer Science and its Applications and Architecture of Unique Software apart from being a consultant to the Obama administration, Prof Harish Karnick, Retd. Prof. Dept. of Comp. Sc. and Engg., IIT, Kanpur, Kaushik Majumdar, Professor Indian Statistical Institute, Sarbendu Guha, Principal Product Engineer, Digital Infrastructure For India.

Last week, April 11, US Congresswoman, Tulsi Gabbard, also Director, US National Intelligence clearly and publicly stated that, she had told a Cabinet Meeting in her country that “her office has solid evidence of massive security flaws in the EVMs enabling hackers to manipulate and flip votes,” and was therefore demanding a return to paper ballots. Fast on the heels of this much publicised statement, the Election Commission of India (ECI) that has –of late been questioned on the vulnerability of aspects of the Electronic Voting System (EVS)—made what is being viewed a far-reaching statement that Indian EVMs not connected to Internet, Wi-Fi, says Election Commission amid Tulsi Gabbard’s comments.

The statement now issued by experts, states that “at the outset we would like to state that it is shocking that the ECI responds so promptly to an official of a foreign government, even as it is obdurate and non-responsive to legitimate queries by citizens, experts and the political opposition.” Elaborating further, this team of experts enumerates, in the statement on why it “strongly disagrees” with the ECI for the following reasons:

“Manipulation of an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is the set of actions to make the EVM perform in the way it is not supposed to behave. Such manipulation can be effected by providing additional data to the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) using the Symbol Loading Unit (SLU). The SLU acquires its data when connected to the ECI website after the candidate list is finalized, which only a few days before the voting day.

“While it is very difficult to alter the program instruction set in the one-time write locked EEPROM, it is entirely possible to:

1. Push a Trojan software through the USB drive when it is connected to the VVPAT for purpose of uploading the candidate list. Such Trojan software will modify the firmware as if the firmware is being “updated”. The “updated” firmware will then perform manipulated malfunction to deliver manipulated results. It is important to note that ISP (In-System Programming) is an established way of updating the firmware of a microcontroller and as such is a ubiquitously accessible technique
2. Supply additional data to the already burnt-in program. The program existing in the VVPAT must be already written to recognise the additional data and decision making branches already must exist in the program code to deliver manipulated functionality

The experts, in this statement, that the earlier version of EVMs used before 2014 Lok Sabha elections were intended to be stand-alone and therefore not open to manipulation. This earlier EVS system did not have the VVPAT unit nor the Symbol Loading Unit (SLU) and moreover, did not need data (mapping candidate/party symbol to buttons of the Ballot Unit-BU) nor any additional instruction set to be loaded into EVM-VVPAT through a physical communication port. However this is not the case since and therefore, “the ECI’s bald statement, without answering concerns by Indian Computer Science experts does not inspire confidence”.

The other issue raised by these experts is that it should be a matter of concern for citizens that “the ECI has never demonstrated publicly and opened any operational CU, BU, and VVPAT in public presence. The ECI has never allowed any open door controlled testing of any working EVM in the presence of independent experts or voters. Moreover, these EVMs are not certified by any third party, nor any neutral experts committee that can state that ‘the EVM does not emit or receive any Radio Frequency (RF) signal.’’

Demands made by this team of experts:

Indian citizens should be allowed to conduct non-invasive and non-destructive tests on the powered-on, working EVMs at three locations in every state to satisfy themselves that EVM does not respond to or create any RF communication channel. These EVMs must not be from the spare EVMs stored, but must be from those that were actually used in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

In addition, they demand that the ECI publishes the steps and processes followed to establish and prove data integrity across the entire Electronic Voting System or Electronic Election System: that is the ECI publishes every step taken and the process at every step to establish and prove data integrity across the BU, CU (including the procedure to establish that both copies of electronic vote stored in the CU are identical), VVPAT (the data exchange between the VVPAT and the CU) and finally the values received by the counting unit (as applicable).

Under the constitutional obligation under Article 324-326 of the Constitution, the ECI must publish the detailed protocol it follows on the day of voting and the day of counting to establish that none of the above data has been changed. “The ECI’s blanket statements that Indian EVMs are not connected to internet wirelessly /wired fashion (read external radio wave or microwave communication signals) without giving out details of the circuits is tantamount to official propaganda bereft of scientific or rational enquiry,” reads the statement.

Finally, the Symbol-Loading Unit (SLU) of the VVPAT unit is connected to the ECI’s website for a brief while – after the list of candidates and their symbols are finalised and before the date of polling. All details about the final list of candidates including their symbols are downloaded from the ECI’s website on to the VVPAT unit. There is an electronic security loophole here because it is possible to introduce a vote-stealing Trojan into the ECI’s website, with or without the ECI’s knowledge, and this Trojan can get downloaded into the VVPAT unit.

The vote-stealing Trojan can be so programmed as to get activated after a certain number of votes (say, 200 votes) have been cast, and to convert, say, every 5th vote cast thereafter to a vote for a certain political party, when the signal is transmitted from the VVPAT unit to the Control unit. The vote-stealing Trojan can also be programmed to self-destruct, say, 6 hours after the last vote has been cast, leaving no trace of its nefarious deed. The Trojan can be programmed to act only on a certain date and that too after a certain time of the day.

Further, the Trojan or the original program itself can be written to respond to additional data uploaded via SLU. Such program will (or can) display different behaviour in every constituency, based on the data uploaded from the SLU. Therefore, experts have demanded that from each constituency, at least 3 randomly selected SLUs, (selected by public), should be given to open scrutiny by a committee of experts. This scrutiny should be carried out in full public view.

On April 11, 2025 a group of over 80 Citizens including Experts had submitted a Detailed Memorandum to the Election Commission of India. This can be read here.

Related:

Memo to ECI: Make Voter’s Form 17Cs list accessible on Commission website, clean up existing, technologically messy EVS structure, say citizens

Vote for Democracy (VFD) releases report on the conduct of General Election 2024

SEC M’tra agrees to make weekly reports to CEC public, assures action on hate speech, urges every citizen to become alert voter: Vote For…

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The VFD report reveals a disturbing trend of manipulated voter turnout data, particularly in Haryana, where the official voter turnout spiked by 6.71% between October 5 and 7, 2024—a shift equating to an additional 1.3 million votes. This surge is both unusual and unexplained, raising suspicions of data manipulation to favour certain political parties. Key districts, including Panchkula and Charkhi Dadri, experienced extraordinary turnout increases of over 10%, all of which disproportionately benefited the BJP in closely contested constituencies. These irregularities call into question the veracity of the official turnout figures and their role in influencing the election results. (See table 5 of the report)

Moreover, the ECI has failed to release raw vote counts, again, instead opting to publish district-wise turnout percentages. This deliberate opacity prevents any meaningful scrutiny of the electoral process. Alarmingly, last-minute revisions to the voter turnout figures just hours before counting on October 8 suggest an attempt to hide discrepancies and manipulate the results. Such actions undermine the transparency and legitimacy of the entire process.

Further troubling findings from the report suggest a mismatch in the EVM vote tallies at various booths, notably in regions where the BJP secured narrow victories. The hike in EVM votes in areas such as Panchkula (10.52%) and Charkhi-Dadri (11.48%) after the polls raised serious red flags. In addition, the BJP’s strong performance in just 10 districts, where it won 37 out of 44 seats, contrasted starkly with its poor showing in the remaining 12 districts, where it secured only 11 out of 46 seats. These discrepancies are not easily explained by local issues or voter preferences, raising concerns about the manipulation of voting data to favour the ruling party. (See table 23 and 24 of the report)

The report also traces a pattern of irregularities extending back to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where similar unexplained voter turnout increases were observed. The consistency of such data manipulation raises doubts about the Election Commission’s ability to conduct fair and free elections, casting a shadow over its credibility.

In Haryana, the manipulated voter turnout figures are believed to have directly impacted the results, especially in 17 constituencies where the margin of victory was under 5,000 votes. In these tight races, the inflated voter turnout figures helped secure BJP victories, while smaller parties like the INLD (Indian National Lok Dal) saw minimal benefits. In total, the report suggests that the turnout manipulation likely contributed to the BJP’s win in at least 24 additional seats across Haryana.

Similar irregularities have been alleged in the Jammu & Kashmir elections, where last-minute jumps in voter turnout percentages further fuel concerns about the overall fairness of the election process. The widespread nature of these discrepancies calls into question the legitimacy of the entire electoral process in both states. (See table 30 of the report)

The findings of this report, coupled with the overall lack of transparency and consistency in electoral data, raise serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. VFD calls for an immediate and independent investigation into these allegations. The lack of transparency, data manipulation, and inconsistencies in the reported turnout figures demand urgent action to restore public trust in the electoral system. The ECI must release all raw data, explain the anomalies, and take responsibility for these discrepancies to ensure such manipulation does not occur in future elections.

Why was this exercise important?

This exercise was particularly timely as the upcoming state elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra will soon test the transparency and integrity of India’s electoral system. As citizens prepare to vote, it is essential that every vote is accurately counted and reported. By focusing on raw vote counts rather than percentages, the call for transparency ensures that the true outcome of the election is clear and verifiable. Vote counts, which are exact and definitive, eliminate the risks associated with rounding errors or vote leaks that percentages can sometimes obscure. The publication of real, raw vote counts empowers voters and election observers to trust that the process reflects the will of the people, without distortion.

Moreover, the use of Forms 17-A and 17-C, which provide real-time and final tally records of votes, serves as a safeguard against discrepancies or manipulation, offering candidates and citizens alike the tools to verify the accuracy of election results. This call to action emphasises the need for consistency and transparency, ensuring that all votes are recorded and counted faithfully.

In light of the forthcoming elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra, this initiative is even more critical. These elections offer a chance to reinforce the integrity of the democratic process, ensuring that voters’ voices are heard and respected without interference. Transparency across all stages of voting—from booth-wise queue data to VVPAT verification—is vital for fostering public trust in the electoral system. The call for video evidence and polling officer accountability further strengthens this transparency, ensuring that every step of the process is open to scrutiny.

As highlighted in the VFD report, the integrity of elections hinges on transparent practices that prevent tampering, miscounts, and data manipulation. With the stakes high in these state elections, ensuring a clear, accurate, and transparent voting process is essential not only for the credibility of the elections but also for the health of India’s democracy.

VFD’s finding in Lok Sabha Elections 2024

Notably, VFD had also released its detailed report on the conduct of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections during an event on July 22, 2024 at the YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai. The report, titled “Report: Conduct of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 – Analysis of ‘Vote Manipulation’ and ‘Misconduct during Voting and Counting’,” highlighted alleged election malpractices, including discrepancies in EVM vote counts, vote manipulation, and misconduct by the Election Commission of India and Returning Officers. It revealed a troubling 5 crore “dumped” votes, with the vote hike disproportionately benefiting the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), raising doubts about the integrity of the election process.

Vote for Democracy (VFD)

According to its website, Vote for Democracy (VFD) is a Maharashtra-level citizens’ platform comprising individuals and organizations, established in 2023. The organization is working to ensure voter registration, raise voter awareness, and promote hate-free elections where accountability and transparency are paramount.

The Executive Summary of Report can be accessed here.

The Full Report can be accessed here.

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The post VFD’s draft reports points to “electoral manipulation and irregularities” in Haryana and J&K 2024 assembly elections appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Vote for Democracy (Maharashtra) released its comprehensive election report on the conduct of Lok Sabha elections 2024 during an event organised on July 22 at YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai. The publication, titled, “Report: Conduct of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 – Analysis of ‘Vote Manipulation’ and ‘Misconduct during Voting and Counting’”, describes the alleged malpractices committed during the election cycle, the role of the Election Commission of India and Returning Officers, discrepancies reported between EVM votes polled and count, and vote hikes (“dumped” votes) per phase-wise, state-wise, and nationally. The report underlines that in total 5 crore votes were hiked (“dumped”) between initial voter turnout and final turnout, suggesting that the hike disproportionately helped the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The press release issued by VFD notes that “serious questions have been raised about the discrepancies between the total votes polled and votes counted, as well as, substantial unexplained hike in the turnout percentages by the Election Commission of India (ECI). While we do not doubt the credibility of the ECI, its conduct during this Lok Sabha election has made us, as citizens and voters, seriously concerned about the fair outcome of the electoral process.”

The report, in total containing 4 chapters, analyses through a series of tables the possible manipulation of election results, which it suggests has helped the ruling dispensation increase its seats tally in spite of total reduction in its seats tally. In order to help candidates identify the potential malpractice(s) in a constituency, the report has attached a checklist for figuring out the possible manipulation(s). Furthermore, as a legal resource, to emphasise on the integrity of the election process, the report also provides relevant judicial precedents and election laws, which are fundamental to the governance of election in a free and fair manner. In particular, the malpractices affecting the election outcomes in Mumbai North West and Farrukhabad parliamentary constituencies have been detailed in the publication.

Questioning the Election Commission

While highlighting the electoral malpractices, delay in declaration of initial turnout figures, and substantial hike in final turnout figures, VFD critiqued the Election Commission of India (ECI) for its silence on these issues. Flagging the delay in release of initial turnout figures and unexplained hike in the final turnout figures, the report says that for Phase 1 “The ECI did not explain as to why there was a substantial hike in the final figures, nor did the poll body explain the long delay (11 days!) in releasing the final figures and that too in percentages only.” It further said that ECI has not answered any specific questions regarding the jump in final voter turnout and discrepancies between EVM votes polled and count till date. The report also claimed that some candidates were either denied or not issued Form 17C, which records the accounts of votes polled at the end of the polling day.

Vote hike benefit ruling alliance

VFD observed that the substantial hike in final voter turnout compared to initial turnout data suggests that the ruling dispensation has benefitted most likely from these hikes. The report says that “it is pertinent to note that by this method of Voter turnout Hike in this Phase 2, there has been a sharply beneficial results for the NDA/BJP: in most of the states e.g. West Bengal 3/3, Uttar Pradesh 8/8, Madhya Pradesh 6/6, Chhattisgarh 3/3, Tripura 1/1, Jammu and Kashmir 1/1, Karnataka 12/14, Rajasthan 10/13 and Assam 4/5. Such a trend is not seen in the other 6 Phases of Polling including in the same states of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Rajasthan. In this Phase 2, the example of Kerala is unique in that the BJP in this Phase got one seat, stood 2nd in another seat and 3rd in other 14 out of a total of 20 seats in the state! There appears to be a clearcut manipulation here.” Furthermore, it said that close to 5 crore vote hikes has benefitted BJP/NDA to secure at least 76 seats, which it may have lost in the absence of such hike.

In particular, three tables, displaying the list of all the Parliamentary Constituencies (PCs) where the winning margin/defeat margin has been under 1 lakh vote; where the discrepancies have been found between the EVM votes polled and EVM votes recovered within the defeat margin of 50000 votes or less; and shortlisted table containing constituencies where alleged malpractices have been reported are given in the report. Apart from these, more than a dozen tables are provided analysing several aspects of voter turnout hike, hike in absolute number of votes, and potential malpractice.

Conclusion

The report notes that “Vote for Democracy (VFD) is a Maharashtra-level citizens’ platform comprising individuals and organisations, established in 2023. Our mission is to ensure voter registration, raise voter awareness, and promote hate-free elections where accountability and transparency are paramount.” The findings of the study, it said, has been dedicated to citizens, civil society, activists and political leaders. Explaining the rationale behind the exercise, VFD said that umpteen media reports flagging the conduct of General Elections 2024 led it to conduct a thorough study of the electoral conduct on part of the Commission and analysis of the election exercise and final results.

While releasing the VFD Lok Sabha 2024 report, Teesta Setalvad said that the primary need to release the report came from the concern regarding manipulation of votes apart from the inaction of the ECI over several infringement of poll code and election laws during the conduct of general election, including its silence on the issue of hate speech.

MG Devasahayam noted that voters rights to know, a fundamental democratic principle, was violated by the conduct of the Election Commission. He remarked that the ECI committed fraud on the people of India by blatantly ignoring the Supreme Court directions, making subsequent corrections in the uploaded data, refusing Form 17C to some of the candidates, and remaining absent during the entire election cycle. Furthermore, he said that selective variation of votes has been observed in at least 80 constituencies and circumstantial evidence suggests manipulation of votes, resulting in the mandate being snatched away from the people. He also flagged other issues, including ballot paper manipulations, lack of CCTVs in the strong room, changing of EVM machines, and manipulation in data released.

Sebastian Morris observed that compared to the challenges faced while using ballot papers, EVMs are more vulnerable to being manipulated and given the decline in independence of constitutional bodies, this raises serious concerns. Morris said that right from the election of the ECI members, to selective interventions on violation of election rules, the behaviour of the ECI has been a sham. He also commented on the issue of delay in release of voter turnout data and subsequent hikes reported in such data and further noted that in as many as 79 seats, the hike in number of votes has been more than victory margins.

Dr. Harish Karnick, a retired IIT Kanpur Professor, said that ECI’s refusal to conduct complete cross-verification of EVM votes and with VVPAT remains unjustified, especially given the unexplained delay in the release of initial turnout data and subsequent hike in final turnout data. Dr. Karnick maintained that from the whole VVPAT fiasco to the erosion of the voter’s right to know who they voted for, there are records of these manipulations but no answers. He emphasised on the point that EVMs have exacerbated existing certain gaps in the electoral process, and ECI seems to have exploited those gaps.

Following on the grievances and issues raised in the said report, a joint legal notice was sent to the ECI by the members of the various civil society groups on July 18. The notice which was addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, and Election Commissioners, Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, demanded the following interventions from the ECI:

1. Thorough investigation into the issues raised and the irregularities/illegalities pointed out in the Notice for the information of the voting public who are the real stakeholders in any election.
2. Immediate remedial action on all the issues raised.
3. Setting aside the election of the illegally returned candidates on grounds of non-compliance with the provisions of the Constitution or of RP Act or of any rules or orders made under this Act.
4. Immediate registration of FIR Under Section 129 of the RPA 1951, Section 65,66,66F of the IT Act, 200 and IPC Sections 171F/409/417/466/120B/201/34 and investigation into the roles of all involved, including ECI officials, BEL and ECIL engineers, and beneficiary parties.
5. Countermanding the election in the constituencies where large-scale spurious injection of votes have taken place as per the list in Annexure and ordering re-election.
6. Passing such other orders and further orders as may be deemed necessary on the facts and in upholding integrity and fairness of the elections for the future also.

Full Report is available on https://votefordemocracy.org.in

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The delegation presented a memorandum and detailed tabulation prepared by Citizens for Justice and Peace (cjp.org.in) that showcased ten specific cases of the most egregious violations of Section 123 (3A) “corrupt practice” under the Representation of People’s Act, 1951. The table contains detailed analysis of hate speech violations on at least ten occasions in the state (two by BLP MLA from Ghoshamahal, Telangana, T Raja Singh, two by Navneet Rana, BJP MP from Amravati, one by BJP’s minority leader, Mazia Elahi Khan, Sanjay Sharma, one by Independent candidate from Dhule, one by UP chief minister, Ajay Bisht aka Adityanath and three by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

The delegation consisted of Teesta Setalvad, secretary, Citizens for Justice and Peace & member, Vote for Democracy, Dolphy De’Souza, President, BombayCatholic Sabha & member Vote for Democracy, Ulka Mahajan, Bharat Jodo Abhiyan, Shakir Shaikh and Ashraf Khan, Maharashtra Democratic Forum and Father Frazer Mascarenhas, Vote for Democracy. The delegation is part of a collective of over 200 organisations under Nirdhaar Maharashtra.

In brief, the following points were raised in the discussion,

• Hate speeches, the complaints submitted in the accompanying memorandum in which immediate action including due cognizance of offences was needed, the action needed to be made public on the website of the Commission and the offenders barred from further campaigning;
• Serious concerns on the discrepancies on the Vote count of the first four phases of polls which have not been declared yet (the matter is now before the Supreme Court of India) were expressed by members of the delegation
• The deliberations and monitoring reports of the SEC should be made public. (The Addl SEC immediately accepted the delegation’s suggestion that the weekly report on all abovementioned issues, including action taken on various points, sent by the SEC, Maharashtra to the CEC, India should be immediately uploaded on the website)
• The EC should have press conferences after every phase of voting

• On the concerns expressed about the serious differences (interpreted as discrepancies) in voting percentages between the 11 p.m. Voting day figures and the final percentages released by the Returning Officers (ROs) 48 hours later, Mr Kulkarni explained that:
  1. The Voter Turn Out APP by the ECI is available on the Google Playstore https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.gov.eci.pollturnout&hl=en_IN&gl=US https://apps.apple.com/in/app/voter-turnout-app/id1536366882
  2. Release of figures are done Respective Returning Officers (ROs).
  3. The Figures on the APP approximate and clearly mentioned as such on the app
  4. The APP Data gets released every two hours on poll day
  5. The Poll Day figures are approximate
  6. It is the next day midnight figures that reflect proper collation after checking 17 C Forms and hence, reliable and in the public domain.
  7. The Next Day midnight Data can be Tallied with Counting day Per Table EVM Vote Count and there will be no discrepancy

Note: The Voter Turn Out APP which any citizen can download) records in real time the updated figures by the Returning Officers in all booths collated from each booth, assembly constituency and then Parliamentary Constituency wise. The ROs record these on the APP every hour till polling day midnight in real time. It is the next day midnight figures that reflect proper cross-checking and collation after checking 17-C forms filled up by presiding officers in each booth.

He explained that the figures that the CEC then later releases may therefore have discrepancies with previous day’s 11 p.m. figures that are approximate given they have been given from an approximation on the APP (without physical collation and checking with 17-C forms).

Suggestion: An exercise to cross-check and clarify this, we should as Volunteers compare and cross check above data in any one or two constituencies.

[[भारत निवडणूक आयोगािे झालेल्या मतदािाची टक्के वारी सर्वांना कळावी म्हणूि “Voter Turnout App” तयार के लेले आहे. हे ॲप Google Play Store व Apple Store वर अथवा आयोगाच्या वेबसाईटवर सहज उपलब्ध आहे आनण कोणीही डाऊिलोड करुि त्याचा उपयोग करु शकतो. हयावर मतदािाच्या नदवशी सकाळी 9.00 नंतर दर 2 तासांनी झालेल्या मतदािाची अंदानजत टक्के वारी जाहीर करण्यात येते. त्यामुळे मतदािाची प्रत्यक्ष टक्के वारी आनण ॲपवर नदसत असलेली टक्के वारी यामध्ये थोडाफार फरक पडू शकतो, हे स्वाभानवक आहे. या ॲपवर राज्य, लोकसभा आनण नवधािसभा मतदारसंघ यातील अंदानजत टक्के वारी उपलब्ध होते. हे ॲप डाऊिलोड करुि वापरण्याची नलंक सोबत जोडली आहे.

दर दोि तासांप्रमाणे मतदािाच्या नदवशी सायंकाळी 5.00 वाजताची अंदानजत टक्के वारी बघता येते. त्यािंतर संध्याकाळी 7.00 वा. बहुतेक निकाणचे मतदाि संपत असल्यामुळे पुन्हा एकदा अंदानजत टक्के वारी उपलब्ध होते. परं तु काही मतदाि कें द्रावर संध्याकाळी 6.00 वाजण्याच्या आत म्हणजे मतदािाची वेळ संपण्याच्या आत मतदाि कें द्रांवर दाखल झालेल्या मतदारांिा टोकि देऊि सवाांचे मतदाि पूणण होईपयांत मतदाि चालू राहते. काही मतदाि कें द्रावर अगदी रात्री 9.00 वाजेपयांत सुध्दा मतदाि अशाप्रकारे चालू असण्याची उदाहरणे आहेत.—[[SEC Maharashtra Press Note Annexed]]

• Disenfranchisement especially of religious minorities, was discussed. In many ways minorities have experienced the differential treatment, some examples from Marathwada were discussed.

• Other important issues like Missing Voters especially of targeted community, persons from the same family being allotted different polling booths –often 5 kms apart—were discussed.

C Voter APP

(https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eci.citizen&hl=en_IN&gl=US) Mr Kulkrani suggested that we can give such cases to highlight and for their review.

• Website for               Deleted               vote               list:                This               site (https://ceoelection.maharashtra.gov.in/SearchInfo/SearchDeletedPDF.aspx) gives deleted voters list. If the voters find out on the voting day that their name is not there in the latest An extremely important point of information that arose out of the discussions related to the cases of voters who’s names may have been deleted from the present (current) voters list but who have voted before. The voters concerned can approach the Facility Centre in every polling booth and check the ASD list there and then on the website giving details name, EPIC number or address. If their name appears in the deleted voters list (ASD list) then they can vote with help of an Identification Card. [[To cross-check and clarify this, we should as Volunteers compare and cross check above data in any one or two constituencies.]]

• The procedure of mock pole was discussed. He clarified that mock pole has to be conducted between 6 am to 7 am.
• Clarifications were also sought by the delegation on the Protest/Challenge/Tendered
• Mr Kulkarni also shared his own articles on some of the issues raised in the meeting (Marathi and English). These are available with us and can be sought by any citizen)

In conclusion, the meeting with Additional CEO Mr. Kiran Kulkarni on May 18, 2024 lasted an hour and a half and resulted in an elaborate and fruitful exchange. We expressed our concerns on a number of issues and Mr. Kulkarni gave us a patient hearing and responded elaborately on each.

Basically, he tried to convey that the Election Commission has elaborate and tested procedures and that these are being followed. He revealed that Maharashtra has received about 65 complaints of breach of the model code of conduct and that these are already being processed and action recommended. The instances we brought before him, he felt, may already be under consideration and if not, they would be enquired into.

Mr Kulkarni also declared that the Commission expects a citizen to be an alert voter. Before every election, the voter should check her or his name in the Electoral Lists because the lists are verified some months before the election and there is every chance of a deletion taking place by error. In such a case, the voter must re-register within the time limit of 10 days before the date for the withdrawal of nominations. In case the voter discovers the name missing at the voting booth itself, then the deleted voters list should be demanded and if the name occurs there, the officer will allow such a person to vote.

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The first is, “What is going on with our economy?” In response, the response details damning statistics, such as the fact that India is ranked 103rd of 119 countries on the Global Hunger Index, and says that the current unemployment rate 6.1%, the highest since 1972-73. Moreover, it notes that 11 million jobs were lost just in 2018, of which 8.8 million were women’s jobs. Also, the rural female workforce participation has declined from 93 million in 2011-12 to 64 million in 2017-18. The resource adds that demonetisation “has broken the back of farmers and small traders,” and that the GST that was implemented in July 2017 has “crippled small businesses.” Meanwhile, the wealth of Mukesh Ambani, India’s richest man, grew 67% in 2018.

The second question is, “What is going on with our society?” The answer notes that crimes against women and violence against Dalits have both increased. In 2014 to 2016, more than 1.39 lakh complaints were filed under The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, “an 11.6-percent increase from the previous government,” the resource states. 90% of “religious hate crimes since 2009 have occurred after BJP took power at the Centre in 2014,” it says.  Moreover, between 2014 and 2018, “the number of civilians killed in Jammu & Kashmir has risen by 35.71%”.

The resource analyses “the truth behind the shining flagship schemes of this government,” including the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme. It notes that Rs. 1.5 crore were spent every five days on advertising the former, even as one safai karmchari died every five days. For the latter, 56% of Rs. 648 crore were spent on publicity and advertising, and just 25% was distributed to states to implement the scheme. The resource notes that many schemes that were initiated by previous governments have simply been renamed by the current government. Meanwhile, it highlights that 22 of the 30 most polluted cities are in India, and that Mumbai’s BEST bus network is being privatised, even as Rs. 12,000 crore has been allocated for the city’s coastal road.

The resource also points out India’s low ranking on the World Press Freedom Index, noting that the Prime Minister has never addressed a press conference during his term. It outlines how democratic institutions are under threat, noting that the freedom of the judiciary is in question, education is being saffronised, and that the government has “scrapped release of all reports related to employment,” and that data from independent statistical agencies has been “delayed, discredited or manipulated for political purposes.”

The resource can be seen here: 

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