For instance, we need to consider the following factors:

• Performance of the AAP Government,
• Perception of corruption by the AAP,
• Controversy over the official bungalow of Arvind Kejriwal,
• Pollution in Delhi,
• Kejriwal’s failure to protect minority
• Loss of even partial status of the Delhi State given the powers handed by central diktat to the LG, incumbency and the urge for a change,
• Failure to strike alliance between AAP and INC,
• Kejriwal labelling Rahul Gandhi as amongst three corrupt leaders and
• Yamuna water being unfit for consumption
• Selective deletion and addition of electors between the notification of elections on January 7, 2025 and the final electoral roll issued thereafter, on January 17, 2025. The increase was a substantial 76,366 electors in the 10 day period, from 1,55,37,634 to 1,56,14000.
• The EVM, Factor and other alleged election malpractices.

And/or

• Huge income tax relief announced in budget up-to INR 1,13000, and more,
• Landing of deported ones at Amritsar, Punjab rather than that at the Indira Gandhi airport New

The picture of the repeatedly altered register of voters has ensured a mind-boggling impact. This factor has emerged despite the fact that a special summary revision of electoral rolls with reference to the qualifying date of January 1, 2025 was started in all the constituencies. The Draft Electoral Roll had been published on October 29, 2024 and prominently displayed at all places inviting objections by November 28, 2024. This Draft Electoral Roll contained 1,53,57,529

Electors.The registered electors shown in the press release by the CEO at the time depicted 1,47,97,990 electors for the 2020 Assembly, as per the summary of electors posted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on its web page on Assembly Elections of NCT Delhi 2020. Thereafter on Jan 06, 2025 17:02 hours IST, the ECI released the final electoral roll of Delhi which showed that the national capital has a total 1,55,24,858 voters, 83,49,645 male and 71,73,952 female voters, third gender 1,261.

• Registered Electors in NCT Delhi for Assembly Elections 2020 = 1,47,97,990
• Registered Electors, finally shown in NCT Delhi in Lok Sabha elections 2024 = 1,52,14,638
• Jan 06, 2025 17:02 IST, Registered Electors Summary revision ECI = 1,55,24,858

(Male 83,49,645 Female 71,73,952 , Third Gender 1261 Total 1,55,24,858)

• Elections notified on January 7, 2025, Total Registered electors (ECI) = 1,55,37,634
• ELECTORS AS ON 01.2025 (CEO NCT DELHI) = 1,56,14000

Issue of Electoral Rolls

The repeated and substantial alterations of registered voters by the ECI itself makes the exercise cloudy. The absence of any credible explanation as well as deviation from the norm also shatters the confidence of the electors because of an absence of any degree of fairness. Even under the amended section 14 of the Representation of Peoples Act 1950, the date of eligibility for the registration of electors is January 1, April 1, July 1, and Oct 1 of each year and in the present case of Delhi for the February 2025 elections it is January 1, 2025 under amended section 14 ibid. Since the process had begun on October 29, 2024, but the revised rolls were published only by January 7, 2025 the date of notification should have not resulted in any hike/ injection of electors 10 days thereafter (76366 voters were added as has been explained above). There have been allegations of the unauthorised deletion of names and addition of voters, hence, given that the ECI is a constitutional body owing accountability to the people of India, it is bound under the Constitution and the law to place details regarding the entire process related to the inclusion of new voters, including the documents therein, in the public domain.

Besides, a duty is cast upon the ECI to explain how: a) 13,145 electors got inducted in the voter’s list of the Badli constituency; b) 16,413 electors got inducted into the list of the Nangloi Jat constituency c)17,549 electors got inducted into the list of the in Mundika constituency; d) 7,387 into the lists of the Shahdra constituency; e) 24,759 voters into the lists of the Burari assembly constituency; f) 18,404 added into the list of the Bawana constituency; g) 8,638 voters added into the list of the Vikaspuri constituency and, h) 2,209 votes added into the New Delhi constituency. These examples are illustrations and other constituencies too saw such an increase between the Lok Sabha elections held in Delhi on May 25, 2024 and the NCT assembly elections held on February 5. 2025.

The YouTube news channel run by journalist, Ajit Anjum (@AjitAnjumOfficial ) has made public the study conducted by it on the gross irregularities into the voter registration process that includes the registering of multiple electors at addresses of (six) –in large part—representatives of the BJP!. This study related to a micro 32 addresses from which location, as many as 635 votes ranging between 15 to 44 votes per address were added! Incidentally, some of these “addresses” are even not permitted to be labelled as a residence and some are so small in size that the number of persons (whose names were registered from there) could not have been said to have been registered under:

The pattern in this study (expose) provides a clear indication that there has been a process of “bulk registration” of voters, almost as if targets were given for the exercise.[1]

Voter Turnout

The ECI has faltered, again, on the release of voter turnout data too by altering the timing of the first press release to 5 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. which is one hour after scheduled voting time. The voter turnout at 57.70% in the ECI Press release (vide No. ECI /PN/179/2024 dated February 5, 2025 as of 5.00 p.m.) Though the scheduled voting time was until 6 p.m. The voter turnout percentage was revised to 60.42% by 11.30 p.m. (vide No. ECI /PN/180/2024 dated

February 5, 2025). There was no official press release at 6 p.m. that is at the end of scheduled poll time. Incidentally, the CEO Delhi released yet another figure for voter turnout (60.54%) without mentioning any time. The total number of votes polled have been declared as 94, 51,997.

Status of votes secured by parties, winning margins of contestants and overall impact

An analysis of the votes secured by the parties and the candidates with losing and winning margins in all the 70 seats –including votes polled by the candidates of three major political players, i.e. the AAP, NDA and INC shows that AAP lost 16 seats by a margin of 10,000 votes or less and NDA lost 8 seats in this range. A further analysis also shows that the NDA also won three seats by a margin of less than 1000 votes: Sangam Vihar (344 votes) Tirlokpuri (392 votes) and Jangpura (675 votes). In another three seats, again, the margin of victory of the BJP is very slender between 1001 and 2000 votes: these are Timarpur (1168 votes), Rajinder Nagar (1231votes) and Mehrauli (1782 votes). In another three seats AAP lost by similarly small margins: Malviya Nagar (2131 votes), Greater Kailash (3188 votes), New Delhi (4089 votes), while in the remaining seven seats AAP lost by 5001-10000 votes: Shahdra (5178 votes), Chhatarpur (6239 votes), Mangolpuri (6255 votes), Hari Nagar (6632 votes), Dwarka (7829 votes), Narela (8596 votes), Palm (8952 votes). In contrast, in the seats where it emerged victorious, APP has won all seats by a margin of more than 2,000 votes.

Vote Share

Seats where the margin of loss by APP is less than the votes secured by INC

Pre-poll Opinion and Exit Polls

1. Latest Opinion Poll by Phalodi Satta Bazar: This poll conducted by Madhuri Adnal Time (updated Friday, January 31, 2025, 18:50 hours forecast AAP securing 38-40 seats and BJP an estimated 30-32
2. Gaurav Sharma, in oneindia.com  (published on Monday February 3 2025, 11:08 hours) com/new-Delhi, the opinion polls suggested that the AAP may bag 37 to 40 seats. BJP may clinch 20 to 25 seats, Congress 0 to 2 seats.
3. Hindi Khabar and Mind Brick India in its poll suggested that AAP would get 55 seats. The BJP 15 and INC none.

Conclusion: The pre poll opinion in a majority of the surveys showed that while the APP would get less seats than earlier –the number could reduce to 38-40 seats – it would still form the government while the BJP would get a respectable number of 20 to 32 seats but would not be able to get majority.

DELHI EXIT POLL NEWS 18 www.news18.com › elections › assembly Delhi Assembly Election 2025 Exit Poll Results Latest Updates …Feb 5, 2025 · Get the latest Delhi Assembly election 2025 exit poll results, predictions for Delhi elections, and AAP, BJP, Congress seat forecasts. 

Delhi Assembly elections 2025

Factors that acted as the drivers of a sudden change between January 31, and February 5, 2025

It appears obvious from the above that the scales shifted substantially by the time the exit polls were conducted. Almost all the polls showed the BJP get a thumping majority, on its way to form the next government. AAP was predicted to be trailing behind. Scientifically, we need to therefore conclude that something major occurred between January 31 and February 5 to tilt the scales so decisively.

Some factors

1. Union Budget presented on 1^st of February and FM Sitaraman claims to fill the pockets of middle class and doles out 1 lakh crore in the form of Income Tax Waiver.
2. All tax payers having an income of Rs. 12 lakh and the Salaried persons having an income of 12.75 lakh get total waiver of the income tax thus getting up-to 1.13 lakh rupees per annum as tax waiver and benefit on two rented houses and many other benefits.

Impact of the Income Tax Waiver on Delhi electors

(Income Tax Revenue in Accounting Year 2023-2024)

Significantly, 62.21% of from the Rs.16,63,686.47 crore income tax revenue, during AY 2023-24, came from the three states of Maharashtra 6,05,268.35 crore, NCT Delhi 2,21,522.20 crore and Karnatka 2,08,168.88 crore.

The income tax paid by NCT Delhi turns out to be 13.32% of the total income tax from whole of India. Out of Rs. One lakh crore doled out by the FM by income tax relief, the amount for NCR Delhi totals Rs. 13,315 crore per year.

Income Tax returns filed during 2023-2024

During the financial year 2022-23, in NCT Delhi, 37,06,999 persons filed income tax returns out of which 12,25,820 are the beneficiaries of the income tax relief doled out by the Finance Minister on February 1, 2025. The ECI has stayed mum on the announcement of this dole In the budget four days before the scheduled election. It appears apparent that votes have been lured by this significant dole out. Out of the total beneficiaries, even if 20% of the voters tilted towards the BJP, more than the present win was assured.

This can be established if we analyse the preferences expressed by various segments of the voters in a survey conducted by C Voter that gave a general idea of the demography tilt in favour of the BJP and AAP. Published by India Today, the exit polls have predicted a victory for the BJP in Delhi India Today News Desk New Delhi, UPDATED: Feb 6, 2025 23:12 IST Written By: Prateek Chakraborty. Hence, the figures of preferences of various socio-economic, religious, gender-based, and age group preferences displayed in the C Voter survey published by India Today, strengthens this contention.

From the accompanying table it is patently clear that higher income groups have tilted to BJP especially those having income in this tax bracket. This displays an overall tilt of 50%, while those with an income of Rs. one lakh or more per month show a 54.9 and 61.1% preference for BJP while AAP has a support of only 32.7% and 25.8% respectively

Similarly there has been a greater shift of the male voter towards the BJP on this count. A total of 51.4% men have preferred the BJP whereas, on the contrary, 50.7% of women voters preferred AAP. This shows the impact of this budget announcement, again.

Since the budget has nothing for the house wives and labour has also been denied any benefit, more than 51% of these categories, i.e. housewives 51.5% and labour 51.8% have opted for AAP.

Since youth has not been given the requite hope from the budget, youngsters between 18-22 and 23-35 have preferred AAP to the tune of 46.7% and 45.4% respectively

This income tax relief is only beneficial for the employed, who come from college levels and professionals who can have start-ups and loans. Therefore, the impact of budget announcement of tax relief is manifest in these categories for BJP: 53.9% of the above high school and 54.5% professionals have preferred BJP

Another factor that has probably played a role in the dramatic last minute shift was the deliberate decision of the government of India to give permission for the landing of the first US military airplane at the Guru Ramdas International Air Port Amritsar not in Delhi. This carrier transported, in handcuffs and chains, 104 deported migrants. Of these 33each were from Gujarat and Haryana, 30 from Punjab, and three each from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh,

Though the numbers of deportees were highest from Gujarat and Haryana, a compliant and complicit media had begun a campaign to depict those deported as only from Punjab. There was a significant undercurrent of anti-Sikh minority bashing in the ‘Godi” media coverage. However, the chief minister of Pubjab, Bhagwant Mann announced government jobs for all the 30 deportees from Punjab. This too had its impact in NCT Delhi: 49.1% Sikhs and 63.1% Muslims preferred AAP to any other party in the polls.

Acknowledgements: The reaction of voters at pages 6,7 above have been taken from the C Voter Survey published by India Today on February 6, 2025. The income tax data has been taken from the official website of the tax authorities. The voter percentage and other voter related data has been interpreted from the website of the ECI and the CEO, Delhi.

(The author is former Dean, Punjab University Faculty of Medical Sciences)

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are the author’s personal views, and do not necessarily represent the views of Sabrangindia.

[1] The author states this because of the similarity in pattern: the same numbers of registrations getting from different locations, irrespective of the size, nature or status of place or of Residents. This is normally not possible without a connivance of the authorities and some protection from the powers that be. The Table raises the question, has the process of registration of electors been manipulated/vitiated for the injection of fake electors?

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EVM row: Winning MLA from Malshiras (Markadwadi) issues ultimatum to ECI, demands elections by ballot papers

The post Who orchestrated APPs failures, the FM and her ex-FS or the ECI? appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Checking & Verification process scheduled for January 9-13, 2025

The EC’s verification process will take place from January 9 to 13, 2025, at a warehouse near Sirsa’s Traffic Park. Nine EVMs will be scrutinized during this period. The verification will be open to all candidates contesting from the Rania seat, including Kamboj and Arjun Chautala of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), ensuring complete transparency in the process.

Focus on EVM accuracy, not rote Recounting

Shantanu Sharma, the District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner, clarified that the checking and verification (C&V) would adhere to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued following the Supreme Court’s directives. Sharma emphasized that the exercise would focus solely on verifying the accuracy of the EVMs, and would not involve a recount or rechecking of votes. “Only the EVMs will be examined to ensure the accuracy of the vote recording,” he explained, reported The Tribune.

Kamboj raises concerns over the C&V process

Despite the official clarification, Sarvmittar Kamboj has expressed dissatisfaction with the process, calling it a “mock poll.” He remains frustrated over the results at nine booths where he believes he had a strong chance of winning. “I paid for a recount, but now they are dismissing the issue with this C&V,” Kamboj stated. He confirmed that he would participate in the verification process, but indicated that he may pursue further actions depending on the outcome.

However, in the October 2024 elections, INLD’s Arjun Chautala emerged victorious in the Rania constituency, defeating Kamboj by 4,191 votes. Ranjit Chautala and BJP’s Shishpal Kamboj secured the third and fourth spots, respectively.

Supreme Court’s direction on EVMs Checking & Verification

It is important to note that the Supreme Court had reserved its judgment on the issue of EVM checking earlier in April 2024. The bench sought technical clarifications from the Election Commission regarding aspects such as the micro-controller’s installation, its programmability, and the sealing of control units and VVPATs. Additionally, the Court addressed the process for handling the Symbol Loading Units (SLUs) and clarified the timeline for election petitions.

The Supreme Court issued directions to the Election Commission, which included the sealing and securing of the SLUs post-May 1, 2024, to ensure transparency. Further, the Court allowed for the verification of the burnt memory semi-controller of 5% of EVMs per assembly segment in case of a written request by the runner-up candidates. This verification, to be conducted by engineers from EVM manufacturers, will take place post-results and within seven days of the declaration. The cost of this process is to be borne by the candidate making the request, but if any tampering or discrepancies are found, the expenses will be refunded.

The letter of DEO Sirsa dated 07.01.2025 can be read here

Related:

VVPAT-EVM Verification: SC issues directions for fool-proofing EVM, sealing of EVMs & SLUs enabling runner-up candidate verification

ECI issues notice to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge after receiving complaint from BJP alleging violation of electoral laws by Rahul Gandhi for delivering “scurrilous” speeches against Prime Minister Modi

ECI issues notice to BJP party, and not the star campaigner himself, over alleged hate speech delivered by PM Modi, seeks response by 11 am, April 29

The post Election Commission to check & verify EVMs used in Rania Assembly Constituency of Haryana appeared first on SabrangIndia.

On November 23, the results of the Maharashtra state assembly elections, which covered 288 constituencies across 36 districts, were declared. With the BJP unexpectedly sweeping the polls, the local media and social media was rife with stories of “manipulations.” Dissatisfied with the EVM counting process, in the small village of Markadwadi in Malshiras taluka, Solapur district, a wave of dissatisfaction followed the outcome of the election result. Villagers, especially in Markadwadi, were upset over the election results, particularly regarding the outcome of the Malshiras seat. While NCP (SP) candidate Uttamrao Jankar won the seat with a margin of 13,147 votes, Markadwadi villagers were shocked by the voting numbers in their village booth. Jankar secured only 843 votes in the village, while BJP’s Ram Satpute received 1,003—an outcome many found unlikely given the area’s historical support for Jankar.

Markadwadi, a village with a population of approximately 2,000, saw 1,900 of its residents cast their votes in the assembly elections. According to the villagers, the results at the booth level seem implausible, as they are all strong supporters of Jankar. They argue that Satpute, who has typically received 200-300 votes in the past, could not have gained a significant lead from their village.

Sabrangindia has been regularly bringing its leaders updates of the issues raised in various constituencies after the declaration of results. These may be read here and here.

Villagers decided to hold a “repoll” with ballot paper on December 3, large police contingent imposes curfew, books 200 villages in criminal cases.

As an expression of their dissatisfaction and disbelief at the results, a group of villagers decided to take a stand against the EVM voting, planning an unofficial mock-poll using paper ballots on December 3 to test the results. The villagers set up five makeshift booths and electoral rolls, replicating the official candidates and symbols. This happened at a time (November 23-December 3) when no government was in place –the Maharashtra governor had named the outgoing chief minister, Eknath Shinde as head of the caretaker government.

However, heavy police presence and administrative restrictions thwarted their plans. Malshiras sub-divisional magistrate, Vijaya Pangarkar, had previously dismissed the villagers’ request for a ballot-based re-poll, deeming it illegal and beyond the lawful scope of the election. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita were enforced from December 2 to 5, prohibiting gatherings. “The elections were conducted transparently. Holding an unofficial poll now would be a violation of the law,” Pangarkar stated. As reported by the Free Press Journal

After police and administration’s intervention the villagers dropped the re-poll plan with ballot papers.

Ironically, under Section 59 of the Representation of Peoples Act paper ballot is the legal voting system in India. It is EVM voting which is illegal unless speaking order is passed by ECI under Section 61A of the Act for each constituency justifying it. Supreme Court judges seem to have not read the Act.

FIR filed against newly elected NCP(SP) MLA, Uttam Jankar and 200 other people

Following the unrest erupted in Markadwadi, the Solapur Rural police, day after filed an FIR on December 4 against newly elected NCP (SP) MLA Uttam Jankar and around 200 others for breaching prohibitory orders issued under section 163. This came after the district administration had cancelled the planned re-polling exercise, which aimed to challenge the EVM results of the November 20 election. Despite the administration denying permission, MVA supporters, led by Jankar, decided to proceed with the ballot voting.

In anticipation of potential unrest, the district authorities also imposed prohibitory orders and deployed heavy police forces in the village. Jankar, who had defeated BJP’s Ram Satpute from Malshiras, was present to support the mock polling. While the MVA supporters set up a pandal and made necessary arrangements, police held several meetings with the villagers and Jankar to persuade them to call off the event.

 

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Jankar alleged that police pressured the villagers into cancelling the poll by threatening to seize materials and take legal action. He claimed that the villagers had organised the exercise peacefully, but due to police threats, they cancelled it. Jankar vowed to continue their fight for justice, including a march to protest alleged EVM manipulation.

BJP’s Satpute criticized the event as a “drama” orchestrated by Jankar, accusing him of spreading a false narrative against EVMs. He also claimed that Jankar, with the support of BJP MLC Ranjeetsinh Mohite Patil, had intimidated villagers who opposed the polling.

On being charged by the police, Jhankar reacted that “We have a right to know the truth of voting. We are not technical experts, so we wanted to conduct a ballot-paper re-poll. Is there any democracy left in this country? When we want to speak up, who will give us justice? If no one listens to the people’s voice, it will lead to chaos in the country” as Hindustan Times Reported.

Even winning candidates stands against EVM voting

Uttamrao Jankar, despite being the victorious candidate from the Malshiras assembly constituency, raised significant concerns about the EVM outcomes, questioning their reliability. Similarly, Varun Sardesai, the newly elected MLA from Vandre East representing Shiv Sena (UBT), also expressed doubts, highlighting discrepancies between the EVM results and the early postal ballot trends in multiple constituencies. Sardesai presented a comparison based on the Lok Sabha elections, where postal ballot trends had indicated a victory for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) with 30 to 31 seats, while the Mahayuti coalition was expected to win around 16 seats. The final results of those elections closely mirrored these projections, with the MVA securing 31 seats and the Mahayuti winning 17 seats.

However, the situation was starkly different in the assembly elections. Postal ballot trends initially suggested a tight contest, with MVA leading by securing 143 seats and Mahayuti trailing with 140. Yet, once the EVM votes were counted, the results diverged sharply, with the MVA parties winning a mere 46 seats, a dramatic fall from their earlier lead. On the other hand, the Mahayuti coalition surged to over 230 seats, far outpacing the initial postal ballot predictions.

There seems to be a consistent trend in the Postal Ballot vs EVM results in Maharashtra.

I put forth a presentation today showing the anomaly. pic.twitter.com/JmjxDiKez0

— Varun Sardesai (@SardesaiVarun) December 2, 2024

Unrest against EVM: a growing public movement for Electoral Integrity

Through the past week, since the declaration of results on November 23, there has been a widespread rise in dissatisfaction with the manner in which the Election Commission of India (ECI) has conducted the elections in Maharashtra. A significant number of both the public and candidates have raised concerns over the integrity of the voting process with allegations including illegal deletions of names from the voting list, questionable additions in the lists to the suspicious surge in voting percentages at close of polling time on November 20. Interestingly, even among the winning candidates, there is a growing scepticism regarding the credibility of the EVM results. This discontent has translated into widespread demonstrations and protests against the election outcomes, with allegations of manipulation of the election including doubts over the reliability of EVMs.

A senior activist from the Udhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and voter, Raju Kohli from Solapur expressed his strong dissatisfaction with the process at the very time of the swearing-in of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, stating that it represents the swearing of the EVM, not the will of the people of Maharashtra.

Other citizens also protested in Solapur against the recently conducted elections.

Pune

Meanwhile, a vociferous and energetic protest by the district leadership of the Indian National Congress (INC) and UBT-Shhiv Sena (Mohan Rao and Sushma Andare were seen at the protest) was witnessed in Pune, a historic city in the state.

This surge in public outcry highlights the significant challenges facing the electoral system, with increasing pressure on authorities to address concerns regarding the transparency and integrity of the ECI in general and the VVPAT software and SLU unit within the EVM system used in the elections.

In Maharashtra, over 34 candidates have filed requests for SLU verification to the Returning Officer, a number that surpasses the figures from the Lok Sabha elections. These requests reflect the deepening concerns surrounding the accuracy and fairness of the electoral process. On the swearing-in ceremony day of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, protests erupted in Pune and Sholapur, where demonstrators voiced their discontent, alleging manipulation during the EVM counting process.

People gathered in Ramlila Maidan in Delhi for EVM Hatao

Meanwhile, at the national level, on December 1, the DOMA Parisangh organised a large rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, under the banner of “Save Constitution, Save Waqf, Save Reservation, Remove EVMs.” The rally saw significant participation from Congress leaders and supporters, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge leading the charge.

Kharge, along with KCC Chairman Dr. Udit Raj and other prominent national leaders of the Congress Party, addressed the crowd, highlighting their concerns about the perceived misuse of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

दुनिया के कई देशों ने ईवीएम हटा हटा दिया है और भारत में EVM भगवान है। pic.twitter.com/ecgG8nE6Dn

— DOMA PARISANGH (@aiparisangh) December 4, 2024

Kharge strongly emphasized the need to protect the integrity of the Indian Constitution, safeguard reservation policies, and ensure the protection of Waqf properties. However, the rally’s central theme was the call to remove EVMs, with participants expressing their growing dissatisfaction with the current electoral system. Many raised concerns that EVMs undermine the transparency and fairness of the election process, fuelling doubts about the legitimacy of election results.

EVM voting illegal unless speaking order passed by ECI u/s 61A of Peoples Act

The conduct of elections in India is entrusted to the Election Commission of India (ECI) under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. According to Section 59 of the Representation of People Act, 1951, voting in elections must be conducted by ballot, specifically through paper ballots. Paper ballot is the legally recognized voting system in India.

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are considered illegal unless the ECI issues a specific order under Section 61A of the Act. This section allows the ECI to justify the use of EVMs for a particular constituency by explaining the circumstances under which electronic voting machines are adopted. Such an order must be passed for each election, ensuring that the adoption of EVMs is transparent and legally sound. Thus, paper ballots remain the legitimate method for casting votes unless exceptional circumstances are officially documented and sanctioned by the Election Commission.

A general order for the use of the EVMs cannot be permitted, as the ECI has consistently issued such orders without providing the required justification or specific rationale for their use.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the 2024 Maharashtra state assembly elections, including in the village of Markadwadi, highlights a growing distrust of the ECI and its ability to conduct any election with a dispassionate and independent approach. While much of the anger has been directed at towards the functioning of parts of the Electronic Voting System (EVSs), other issues such as non-transparency in release of Voter Data, inadequacy of the SOPs issued following Supreme Court judgements etc have also been called in question. In Markadwadi NCP (SP) candidate Uttamrao Jankar’s victory in Malshiras, villagers expressed disbelief at the EVM results, as they felt that the voting patterns in their village did not align with historical trends.

This unrest reflects a larger, state-wide discontent regarding the transparency and integrity of entire election process, with even winning candidates, such as Jankar and Varun Sardesai, questioning the legitimacy of the results. Such sentiments have sparked protests, with citizens demanding a re-evaluation of the electoral process, including the potential removal of EVMs in favour of paper ballots, which are seen as more trustworthy.

As Maharashtra grapples with these electoral concerns, the needs for electoral reform intensify, urging both local and national authorities to address these growing doubts and restore faith in the democratic process.

Related:

Congress raises alarm over manipulated voter rolls in Maharashtra Assembly elections

Congress alleges anomalous voter turnout surge in Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 in memorandum submitted to ECI

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

The post Markadwadi, Pune, Sholapur, Akola, are protests against ECI mounting in Maharashtra? appeared first on SabrangIndia.

In addition to the issue of voter surge, the party also urged the ECI to address concerns about the battery life of electronic voting machines (EVMs), by recommending that the ECI conduct a practical demonstration and evaluation. As demanded by the Congress, the same can involve randomly selecting 25 EVMs used in the Haryana and Maharashtra elections, respectively, for a real-time assessment. The process should be conducted in the presence of political party representatives and reputable technical experts. Such a step would help dispel doubts regarding the reported 99% battery life of EVMs following their usage.

The main issues highlighted in the memorandum regarding the voter turnout is as follows:

1. The disparity in voter turnout: The Congress memorandum detailed how the voter turnout figures escalated sharply between the provisional data released at 5:00 PM and the final numbers disclosed before counting in Maharashtra. According to ECI’s own data, the turnout stood at 58.22% as of 5:00 PM, equating to 5,64,88,024 votes cast. By 11:30 PM, this percentage had increased to 65.02%, translating to an additional 65,97,708 votes cast within the intervening hours. However, the final percentage reported before counting further rose to 66.05%, marking an increase of approximately 10 lakh additional votes.

The Congress described this dramatic increase of 76 lakh votes in just a few hours as “unprecedented and unheard of in electoral history”. Citing logistical constraints, the memorandum argued that even if each voter took only two minutes to cast their ballot, such a surge was practically impossible within the limited timeframe.

2. Questionable adherence to procedures: The Congress memorandum highlighted that the ECI’s Handbook for Presiding Officers (2023) mandates specific protocols for voters in queues after polling officially closes. It requires presiding officers to issue serially numbered slips to voters in the queue and to videograph the polling station to ensure transparency. However, the Congress alleged that the ECI has failed to provide any evidence that these protocols were followed in constituencies where the turnout spiked significantly after 5:00 PM.

Quoting the guidelines, the memorandum emphasised, “Distribute to all such electors slips signed by you in full, which should be serially numbered… continue the poll even beyond the closing hour until all these electors have cast their votes.” The memorandum further asserted that videography of voters in queues, as mandated in the “Videography of Critical Events & in Polling Stations” guidelines, was not made publicly available.

3. Lack of transparency: Adding to their claims, the Congress highlighted a discrepancy in ECI’s updates. As per the Commission’s release at 11:53 PM on polling day, the voter turnout was stated as 65.02%, yet the final turnout before counting rose to 66.05%, implying an additional 10 lakh votes cast post-midnight.

Congress questioned how this increase occurred when the final voter turnout data was supposed to be compiled in real-time, as noted by former Chief Election Commissioner S. Y. Quraishi. Referring to his public comments, the memorandum noted, “Voter data is recorded and updated in real time, leaving no scope for such discrepancies unless there is manipulation or mismanagement.” 

Implications of discrepancies

The memorandum argued that these voter turnout anomalies were concentrated in constituencies where the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition won by significant margins, compounding suspicions. The Congress also pointed out that these issues were “not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of discrepancies that raise doubts over the integrity of the electoral process.”

The party further called for:

1. A detailed public report on polling day anomalies.
2. An investigation into whether protocols for voters in queues were followed, including the issuance of serially numbered slips and videography.
3. Clarification on the additional 10 lakh votes recorded after the 11:53 PM release.

The demand for accountability

The Congress memorandum concluded by urging the ECI to uphold its constitutional responsibility under Article 324 to ensure free and fair elections. It stated, “Even a single instance of voter manipulation and electoral fraud warrants urgent and immediate intervention from this Hon’ble Commission.” The party requested an in-person hearing to present further constituency-specific issues.

The Congress’s allegations strike at the core of public trust in democratic processes. By highlighting the voter turnout surge, discrepancies in data updates, and procedural lapses, the memorandum raises critical questions about electoral transparency. The party has made it clear that “silence and inaction by the Commission could erode public faith in the sanctity of India’s electoral framework.”

These concerns being raised by the Congress serve as a reminder of the imperative for robust oversight mechanisms and transparent processes to safeguard the integrity of elections in the world’s largest democracy.

Related:

Congress raises alarm over manipulated voter rolls in Maharashtra Assembly elections

VFD’s draft reports points to “electoral manipulation and irregularities” in Haryana and J&K 2024 assembly elections

Elections amidst glitches: Maharashtra’s crucial poll day unfolds with complaints of barricading and EVM glitches

TODAY, is WORSE than the ‘EMERGENCY!’

The post Congress alleges anomalous voter turnout surge in Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 in memorandum submitted to ECI appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Issue 1: Allegations of improper deletion of voters in Maharashtra

The Congress party raised serious concerns about arbitrary and improper deletion of voters ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra legislative assembly elections. The present memorandum provided that the party had submitted a memorandum highlighted the said issue on October 19, 2024, which had contained reports from the ground indicating that approximately 10,000 voters were deleted in each constituency, potentially disenfranchising a significant segment of the electorate.

According to the memorandum, voter deletions were carried out without following the prescribed legal framework under the Registration of Electors’ Rules, 1960, which mandates the submission of Form-7 for voter deletion requests. This process requires Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to conduct door-to-door verifications and maintain a documented trail for transparency. Congress alleged that in several instances, “deletions were allowed without proper verification processes and in certain cases without even filing the requisite Form-7.”

To substantiate their allegations, the Congress demanded a series of clarifications and data disclosures from the ECI, including:

• Constituency-wise numbers and names of voters deleted after the Lok Sabha 2024 elections.
• Details of the total number of Form-7 submissions received in each constituency and the corresponding numbers of accepted and rejected claims.
• Evidence of door-to-door verification processes conducted by EROs for these deletions.
• Identification of individuals who submitted more than 250 Form-7s per constituency and details of IP addresses used to file these forms, raising concerns over mass submissions potentially facilitated by organised efforts.

Non-Compliance with verification protocols: Citing the Registration of Electors’ Rules, 1960, the Congress Party argued that deletions could only be carried out through Form-7 submissions, followed by mandatory door-to-door verification by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). However, the memorandum alleged widespread violations, stating:

• “The majority of the deletions were allowed without proper verification processes and, in certain cases, without even filing the requisite Form-7.”
• This lack of compliance, the Congress asserted, compromised the integrity of the electoral process.

To address these concerns, the memorandum demanded detailed constituency-wise data, including:

1. Lists of deleted voters and newly shifted polling booths.
2. Records of Form-7 submissions and ERO verification processes.
3. Information on individuals or devices responsible for bulk Form-7 submissions.

Pointing to the representation dated October 19, 2024, submitted to the ECI outlining these issues, the Congress claimed that the Commission failed to initiate any meaningful investigation or provide a satisfactory response. This inaction, according to Congress, compounded their fears that procedural safeguards had been deliberately bypassed to benefit the ruling coalition.

Issue 2: Allegations of improper addition of voters in Maharashtra

The Congress memorandum also flagged an unprecedented surge in voter registrations between the Lok Sabha elections, held in May 2024, and the Maharashtra assembly elections, held in November 2024. It had been claimed by the party that during this five-month period, Maharashtra’s electoral rolls reportedly grew by 71 lakh voters, reflecting a 13% increase—a figure Congress described as both anomalous and suspicious.

A list provided by such constituencies included Shirdi, Chandrapur, Arvi, Kamthi, Kothrud, Gondia, Akola East, Chikli, Nagpur, Kankavali, Khamgaon, Chimur and Dhamamangaon Railway.

A critical point of contention that was highlighted by the party was that in 50 assembly constituencies, voter rolls saw an average increase of 50,000 voters per constituency, out of which the BJP-led ruling coalition secured victories in 47 constituencies. This pattern, Congress argued, was statistically improbable and indicative of possible foul play. They stated, “These data points on a prima facie reading demonstrate that there has been a significant and inexplicable increase in the number of registered voters across the State of Maharashtra.”

Adding to the severity of the allegations, an FIR was filed by the Voter Registration Officer of the Tuljapur Assembly Constituency at the Dharashiv Cyber Police Station on October 17, 2024. The complaint detailed a case of large-scale fake voter registrations between October 2 and October 16, 2024, facilitated by forged Aadhaar cards. It revealed that:

• Fake Aadhaar cards were generated with mismatched photos, names, and addresses.
• Upon verification, it was found that the individuals linked to these documents did not reside at the stated addresses.

Despite the seriousness of these findings, Congress alleged that “no action was taken by the ECI to address the fraudulent practices.” The party concluded its memorandum by asserting: “Existing safeguards of this commission have not been able to curb such an electoral fraud from being committed.” It called for a thorough investigation and a detailed report on voter deletions, additions, and turnout anomalies, alongside a public disclosure of findings related to the Dharashiv FIR. By documenting these allegations and procedural lapses, the Congress party has sought to hold the ECI accountable and urged it to uphold the principles of democracy. The memorandum served as a call for transparency and fairness, warning that inaction could erode public trust in India’s electoral framework.

To ensure transparency, Congress called for:

1. A public report on the police investigation into the FIR filed at Dharashiv Cyber Police Station.
2. An examination of the use of fake Aadhaar cards for voter registrations across Maharashtra and Haryana elections.
3. Constituency-wise data on Form-6 submissions, which are used for adding new voters, including information on accepted and rejected claims.
4. Details of IP addresses associated with more than 250 Form-6 submissions in any constituency to identify possible fraudulent digital activity.

A crisis of electoral integrity

The Congress memorandum paints a damning picture of the electoral process in Maharashtra, alleging a systematic erosion of safeguards intended to ensure free and fair elections. With voter deletions concentrated in constituencies where the ruling coalition gained an advantage, and voter additions showing an anomalous spike, the allegations demand urgent attention. If left unaddressed, such irregularities could undermine public trust in India’s democratic institutions, making robust investigations and corrective actions by the ECI imperative for restoring faith in the electoral process.

The concerns raised by the party were contextualised within the electoral outcome: the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a three-fourths majority in the state assembly, with significant victories in constituencies experiencing the alleged voter roll manipulations. The Congress memorandum suggested that this pattern was not coincidental, arguing that the manipulations “conveniently worked to the advantage of the incumbent government.” 

Related:

VFD’s draft reports points to “electoral manipulation and irregularities” in Haryana and J&K 2024 assembly elections

Elections amidst glitches: Maharashtra’s crucial poll day unfolds with complaints of barricading and EVM glitches

TODAY, is WORSE than the ‘EMERGENCY!’

The post Congress raises alarm over manipulated voter rolls in Maharashtra Assembly elections appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Voting began at 7 a. m. in constituencies including Katehari, Karhal, Mirapur, Ghaziabad, Majhawan, Sisamau, Khair, Phulpur, and Kundarki, with polls scheduled to close at 5 p. m. By the 5 the 5 p. m. update, voter turnout figures were as follows: Ghaziabad 33.30%, Katehari 56.69%, Khair 46.43%, Kundarki 57.32%, Karhal 53.92%, Majhawan 50.41%, Meerapur 57.02%, Phulpur 43.43%, and Sisamau 49.03%.

Sabrang India reported multiple incidents of voter suppression across Uttar Pradesh’s Meerapur, Kundarki, and Sisamau assembly constituencies on November 20, 2024. As by-elections for 15 seats concluded at 6 pm, 8 out of 15 seats saw blatant violations of voting rights. Particularly troubling were the reports from 7 of the 9 seats in Uttar Pradesh, where Muslim women were allegedly denied their right to vote based on their religious identity. Hundreds of videos surfaced on social media, exposing these violations and raising concerns about the fairness of the elections. Additionally, clashes erupted between AAP and Congress workers in Punjab’s Dera Baba Nanak seat.

Muslim women voters stopped by police, IDs and voting slips illegally verified

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav shared a video from Kakrouli, Meerapur, showing a police officer in riot gear pointing a gun at women. In a post on X, he tagged the Election Commission, urging immediate suspension of the Kakrouli SHO. He accused the officer of preventing voters from casting their votes by threatening them with a revolver.

“Election Commission should immediately suspend SHO of Kakrouli police station area of Meerapur because he is stopping voters from casting their votes by threatening them with a revolver.” He wrote on X

मीरापुर के ककरौली थाना क्षेत्र के SHO को चुनाव आयोग तुरंत निलंबित किया जाए, क्योंकि वो रिवॉल्वर से धमकाकर वोटर्स को वोट डालने से रोक रहे हैं। @ECISVEEP @SECUttarPradesh@rajivkumarec@spokespersonECI@ceoup#ECI#YouAreTheOne#IVoteForSure#UPPolitics#SamajwadiParty pic.twitter.com/WfiygzqO0t

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) November 20, 2024

Akhilesh Yadav also shared another video showing burqa-clad women claiming they were being prevented by police from reaching the polling station. In Ibrahimpur, Muslim women faced mistreatment and were denied the right to vote. Expressing concern on his official X handle, Yadav urged the Election Commission to take immediate action against the Station House Officer (SHO) responsible for the incident.

“There should be immediate suspension action against the SHO who used indecent behaviour and language with women to prevent them from casting their votes in Ibrahimpur,” he wrote on X.

इब्राहीमपुर में वोट डालने से रोकने के लिए महिलाओं के साथ अभद्र व्यवहार एवं भाषा का प्रयोग करनेवाले SHO के ख़िलाफ़ तत्काल निलंबन की कार्रवाई हो। @ECISVEEP @SECUttarPradesh@rajivkumarec@spokespersonECI@ceoup#ECI#YouAreTheOne#IVoteForSure#UPPolitics#SamajwadiParty pic.twitter.com/CkwoQOoHMv

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) November 20, 2024

Shockingly, voters were reportedly also stopped by police from casting their votes at booth number 65 in the Katehari Assembly of Ambedkar Nagar.

Voters are being stopped by the police from casting their votes at booth number 65 of Katehari Assembly of Ambedkar Nagar.

Election Commission should take cognizance, fair voting should be ensured. pic.twitter.com/4phxTxZeh6

— MD Kareem (@MDKareemWadi) November 20, 2024

While the legal mandate to check voters’ IDs and slips lies with the presiding officer and their team, as clarified by the Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh in an order dated November 19, 2024, police personnel deployed at polling booths in UP blatantly violated this rule on poll day i.e. November 20, 2024. Despite the mandate, police personnel demanded voters, particularly Muslim voters, show their IDs. Many were forcibly turned away and prevented from proceeding to the polling booths, effectively denying them their right to vote.

SP demanded re-polling on Kundarki assembly constituency

On Wednesday, the Samajwadi Party (SP) called for repolling in the Kundarki Assembly seat, alleging fraudulent voting and a deliberate attempt to prevent voters from a specific community from reaching polling stations. Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate, Mohammad Rizwan wrote to the Election Commission, requesting the cancellation of the election

However, Mohammad Rizwan confronted police officers who were checking voter IDs and slips at a barricade near a polling booth. Rizwan lodged a complaint with the Election Commission (ECI), accusing police of misconduct, including physically assaulting polling agents and obstructing voters, particularly in Milak Sikri. He alleged that police actions were aimed at disrupting the election process and intimidating party agents. Voters in Kundarki reported being questioned about their party choice, with those supporting the SP facing abrasive treatment and, in some cases, being denied the right to vote. Rizwan claimed the administration was actively preventing SP supporters from voting.

In #UttarPradesh‘s #Moradabad, #SamajwadiParty candidate #HaziRizwan confronting cops over latter checking voting slips and IDs of voters at a police barricade put up ahead of the polling booth.

Polling underway at a total of 9 UP seats including #Kundarki in Moradabad. pic.twitter.com/F3Diyg6sm1

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) November 20, 2024

Rizwan claimed that SP supporters and other voters were subjected to extreme police atrocities, with reports of intimidation and obstruction. According to the candidate, the local administration was actively preventing and threatening Samajwadi Party supporters from exercising their right to vote.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Haji Mohd Rizwan (@mohdrizwanmla)

Full story can be read here

ECI suspended 7 Policemen in UP over violations

Despite numerous videos circulating on X and other social media platforms, in which Muslim women alleged vote denial based on their religious identity, the Election Commission of India (ECI) initially remained silent. After facing pressure from the opposition, the ECI eventually took action and suspended seven police personnel, including three from Moradabad, two from Kanpur, and two from Muzaffarnagar.

मतदाताओ के पहचान पत्र की जांच किए जाने की शिकायत को चुनाव आयोग ने गंभीरता से लिया है इस संबंध मे मीरापुर विधानसभा एवं सीसामऊ मे ऐसी शिकायत पाए जाने पर 02-02 पुलिस कर्मियों को निलंबित किया गया तथा सभी को निर्देशित किया गया है की मतदान कार्मिकों द्वारा ही मतदाता की पहचान की जाएगी

— CEO UP #IVote4Sure (@ceoup) November 20, 2024

These videos highlighted how voters supporting the Samajwadi Party (SP) were allegedly mistreated by the administration, with claims of rude behavior and intimidation. Many reported being denied the right to vote, particularly those pressing the SP’s cycle button.

It was after Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav accused police of unlawfully checking voter IDs and Aadhaar cards, publicly and repeatedly on ‘X’, formerly twitter,  urging the Election Commission to take action, that the poll body began to address the issue. Yadav’s accusations highlighted the BJP’s alleged influence on the administration to suppress votes and engage in foul play. While the ECI did suspend several officers, its initial inaction on the widespread complaints only fueled doubts about its impartiality.

Additionally, in a statement, Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Ridwa clarified that five police officers have been suspended in response to complaints of irregularities during voting. He emphasised that all voters arriving to cast their votes would undergo ID verification, but this responsibility lies solely with the polling station staff. Police officers are not authorized to check IDs, and any police personnel found performing this task will face strict action.

लखनऊ-मुख्य निर्वाचन अधिकारी नवदीप रिणवा का बयान

5 पुलिसकर्मियों को सस्पेंड किया गया है

मतदान में गड़बड़ी की शिकायत पर कार्रवाई

सभी वोटर जो वोट देने आएंगे ID चेक होगी

पोलिंग स्टेशन में मतदान कर्मी ID चेक करेंगे

पुलिसकर्मी आईडी चेक नहीं कर सकते हैं

जो पुलिस कर्मी… pic.twitter.com/dLMd9MjZoA

— भारत समाचार | Bharat Samachar (@bstvlive) November 20, 2024

Punjab records 59.67% voter turnout till 5 PM in 4 Assembly Constituencies

In the Punjab by-polls across 4 assembly constituencies, the overall voter turnout reached an average of 59.67% by 5 PM. The turnout for individual seats was as follows: Dera Baba Nanak recorded 59.8%, Chabbewal (SC) saw 48.0%, Gidderbaha had the highest turnout at 78.1%, and Barnala recorded 52.7%.

#ByeElections2024

𝟏𝟎-𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐤, 𝟒𝟒-𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐥 (𝐒𝐂), 𝟖𝟒-𝐆𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐡𝐚 & 𝟏𝟎𝟑-𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐚

Average Voter Turnout till 5 PM 59.67%

What are you waiting for, #govote#TheCEOPunjab #NoVoterToBeLeftBehind #ChunavKaParv@ECISVEEP pic.twitter.com/D8K5ZL6Fl7

— Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab (@TheCEOPunjab) November 20, 2024

While the election proceeded peacefully in most areas, a clash broke out between AAP and Congress workers at the Dera Pathana polling booth in Gurdaspur, creating a brief moment of tension. Despite this, the by-poll remained peaceful.

Palakkad (Kerala) bypoll turnout crosses 50%

With just half an hour remaining before polling stations close in the Palakkad by-election, voter turnout had reached 65.98%, with 1,28,484 votes cast out of 1,94,706 registered voters. Of the 1,00,290 women voters in the constituency, 66,162 have already cast their votes, reflecting active participation in the election process. The final turnout is expected to increase as the voting period concludes.

With just half an hour remaining before polling stations close in the Palakkad byelection, voter turnout has reached 65.98%, with 1,28,484 votes cast out of a total of 1,94,706 registered voters.

Of the 1,00,290 women voters in the constituency, 66,162 have cast their votes so… pic.twitter.com/XIzGl4QTgY

— South First (@TheSouthfirst) November 20, 2024

Kedarnath recorded 56.78 % turnout till 5 PM

As of 5 PM, the voter turnout in the Kedarnath by-election reached 56.78%, according to the Chief Electoral Officer of Uttarakhand. Voting began at 8 a.m. and concluded at 6 p.m.

Kedarnath by-election update | Total voting percentage recorded till 5 PM is 56.78%, as per Chief Electoral Officer, Uttarakhand (@UttarakhandCEO). pic.twitter.com/iXfb2Ddf3h

— Lok Poll (@LokPoll) November 20, 2024

However, senior advocate Prashant Bhushan criticised the illegal police interference in checking IDs, posting on X, he said that. “There are many credible reports of gross police interference with voting today. Police are preventing minorities from voting under the guise of checking ID cards. How is this permissible @ECISVEEP? Are you allowing @Uppolice to control elections?”

There are many credible reports of gross police interference with voting in UP by polls today. They are preventing minorities from voting in the guise of checking ID cards. How is this permissible @ECISVEEP ? Are you allowing @Uppolice to control elections?

— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) November 20, 2024

Hence, the by-elections for 15 assembly seats across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand on November 20, 2024, were marred by significant voter suppression and police misconduct. In Uttar Pradesh, 8 out of the 15 seats experienced blatant violations of voting rights, with Muslim women and other voters being denied the right to vote based on their religious identity. The Election Commission, initially silent, eventually suspended seven police officers in response to widespread allegations of illegal ID checks and voter obstruction. Violent clashes between AAP and Congress workers were also reported in Punjab’s Dera Baba Nanak. The low turnout, especially in Uttar Pradesh, raised concerns about the integrity of the election process.

The Election Commission’s delayed response to these violations further undermined public confidence in its impartiality. On November 23, 2024, the results for all 15 by-election seats will be announced, with voter suppression and electoral misconduct continuing to cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the outcomes. The gaze will then be on the integrity of the counting process, especially after serious concerns have been expressed about the concealment of actual voting figures — constituency-wise—by the ECI before counting begins, at 8 am on November 23.

Related:

https://sabrangindia.in/up-by-elections-reports-of-serious-disturbances-and-disruption-of-voters/

https://cjp.org.in/counting-of-votes-and-post-counting-remedies-to-the-victim-candidates-of-a-tainted-election-process/

https://sabrangindia.in/vote-for-democracy-vfd-releases-report-on-the-conduct-of-general-election-2024/

The post Voting manipulation and police brutality plague 8 out of 15 by-poll seats; Muslim voters denied their right to vote in UP appeared first on SabrangIndia.