What’s Behind the Controversy? CEC Gyanesh Kumar Defends Election Integrity Amid Allegations
Commitment to Fair Elections
In New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar reaffirmed the Election Commission's dedication to neutrality, rejecting claims of 'vote theft.' He emphasized that political maneuvering aimed at discrediting the ECI would not hinder its constitutional responsibilities.
Kumar characterized the Bihar Special Intensive Review (SIR) process as entirely transparent, stating, 'Despite the draft voter lists being shared with political parties, rumors persist.'
He noted that either the Booth Level Agents of the parties are failing to obtain the draft voter lists for verification, or there are deliberate attempts to undermine the ECI's reputation.
'The integrity of the ECI remains intact, with over 70 million voters and all stakeholders supporting the commission,' he asserted, adding that spreading false information disrespects the Constitution.
This media briefing from the ECI coincided with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav launching a 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar, aimed at addressing concerns over alleged missing votes and voter list manipulation.
Updating on the situation, the CEC reported that since August 1, more than 100,000 new voters who turned 18 after the SIR process have applied to be added to the voter list.
Additionally, the election office has received 28,370 claims and objections from voters regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.
The enumeration phase of the SIR was conducted from June 24 to July 25, during which over 72.4 million electors out of a total of 78.9 million submitted their forms.
Ultimately, around 6.5 million voters were identified as missing from the draft electoral rolls published on August 1. This included 2.2 million deceased voters (2.83%), 3.6 million who had moved permanently or were untraceable (4.59%), and 700,000 who were registered in multiple locations, according to ECI data.
Opposition parties have criticized the SIR exercise in Bihar, alleging irregularities that could disenfranchise millions of voters, a claim the ECI has denied.
The commission released its draft electoral rolls on August 1 and has allowed a month for individuals, parties, and their Booth Level Agents to voice any complaints regarding the draft list.
The Rashtriya Janata Dal has 47,506 Booth Level Agents, the Congress has 17,549, and the Left has over 2,000, totaling more than 67,000.
The ECI has been actively engaging with political parties to encourage participation in the revision process and to report any instances of disenfranchisement.
'Please submit your claims and objections to correct any inaccuracies in the draft Electoral Roll of Bihar published on August 1. To date, no claims or objections have been filed by any political party,' the ECI previously stated.
The ECI also highlighted that between June 23 and July 25, the Congress increased its Booth Level Agents to 17,549 (a 105% rise), the Rashtriya Janata Dal to 47,506 (a 1% increase), Janata Dal (United) to 36,550 (a 31% increase), and the BJP to 53,338 (a 3% increase).