ECI Rejects Allegations of Irregularities in Maharashtra Assembly Polls, Calls Claims Baseless
New Delhi, April 22: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday issued a detailed point-wise rebuttal dismissing recent allegations of irregularities in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, particularly concerning a sudden surge in votes during the last two hours of polling. The Commission termed these claims as “unsubstantiated” and “an affront to the rule of law.”
In a press note released today, the ECI clarified that during the polling held from 7 am to 6 pm, a total of 6.40 crore electors exercised their franchise across the state. With an average polling rate of 58 lakh votes per hour, nearly 1.16 crore voters could have potentially voted in the final two hours. The Commission stated that the actual number of votes polled during this period stood at approximately 65 lakh—much below the expected trend.
“Therefore, the figure does not indicate any abnormal voting pattern,” the ECI emphasized.
Refuting allegations raised by the Indian National Congress (INC), the Commission pointed out that voting was conducted in the presence of officially appointed polling agents from all political parties, including the INC. No formal objections were raised by any candidates or their agents during the statutory scrutiny process before the Returning Officers and Election Observers, the note stated.
The ECI also defended the integrity of the electoral rolls, stating that they were prepared in accordance with the Representation of People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. The rolls were shared with all political parties, including the INC, well in advance. “Only 89 appeals were filed before the first appellate authority and just one before the second, clearly indicating no widespread discontent with the rolls,” it added.
Moreover, during the roll revision process, over one lakh Booth Level Agents, including 27,099 from the Congress party, were appointed to ensure transparency. The Commission said this further invalidates any claims of irregularities in the voter list.
“It appears that all these facts are being deliberately ignored to cast aspersions on the electoral process,” the ECI said, referencing a previous reply it sent to the INC on December 24, 2024, now publicly available on its website.
Concluding the note, the Commission asserted that Indian elections are globally recognized for their scale and accuracy, and condemned any attempt to malign the electoral machinery as disrespectful and demotivating for the lakhs of government employees and party-appointed representatives involved in the process.
“After any unfavourable verdict by the voters, trying to defame the Election Commission by saying it is compromised is completely absurd,” the Commission noted.