ECI calls recent allegations on voter fraud in Maharashtra elections “absurd,” highlighting legal processes, low complaint numbers, and transparent oversight.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday strongly rebutted allegations questioning the transparency of the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections, calling such claims “completely baseless” and an affront to the rule of law.
In an official statement, the ECI clarified that the conduct of the Assembly elections in Maharashtra was carried out with full transparency, accuracy, and in accordance with the law. The Commission emphasized that all election procedures—from voter registration to polling and counting—were conducted in the presence of political party representatives and under the watch of government-appointed election staff.
Voting Trends Within Norms
The Commission addressed concerns over the number of votes cast in the final hours of polling. It stated that 6,40,87,588 electors voted between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on polling day, with an average of around 58 lakh votes cast per hour. Based on these averages, nearly 1.16 crore voters could have cast their ballots in the last two hours alone. The actual figure of 65 lakh votes cast during this period, therefore, falls well below the expected trend, countering any narrative of abnormal or suspicious voting activity.
No Formal Complaints from Parties
The ECI further noted that voting at each polling booth took place under the supervision of polling agents officially appointed by political parties, including the Indian National Congress (INC). Neither INC candidates nor their authorized agents raised any formal or substantiated complaints during the scrutiny before the Returning Officers or Election Observers.
Electoral Rolls Prepared as per Law
Defending the integrity of the electoral rolls, the Commission explained that they were prepared as per the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. These rolls undergo Special Summary Revisions before elections and copies are shared with all recognized political parties. In the case of Maharashtra, the final electoral roll comprised 9,77,90,752 electors.
Despite such a vast electorate, only 89 appeals were filed before the first appellate authority (District Magistrates) and just one appeal before the Chief Electoral Officer. “It is amply clear there was no significant grievance from INC or any other political party prior to the elections,” the ECI said.
Political Representation at Booth Level
The ECI highlighted the extensive involvement of political parties in the electoral process. During the electoral roll revision, 1,03,727 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) were appointed by various political parties across 1,00,427 polling booths. Of these, the INC alone appointed 27,099 BLAs, ensuring comprehensive party-level oversight.
The Commission noted that raising doubts over the voter list without substantiated evidence disrespects not only the legal framework but also the thousands of party representatives and the lakhs of dedicated government officials who work tirelessly to ensure free and fair elections.
ECI’s Response Made Public in December
The ECI confirmed that it had already addressed these concerns in its reply to the INC on December 24, 2024. That detailed response is publicly available on the Commission’s official website. “It appears that all these facts are being conveniently ignored while raising such issues repeatedly,” the statement read.
Upholding Global Standards
Reiterating the credibility of Indian elections, the Commission said, “The scale and accuracy with which elections are held in India are widely acclaimed across the world.” The ECI further underlined that every election in the country is conducted according to the law and under constant scrutiny by authorized representatives of political parties.
Final Word from the Commission
“It is absurd to try and discredit the Election Commission after an unfavourable verdict by the electorate,” the Commission asserted. “Such misinformation not only undermines public trust but also demotivates lakhs of hardworking officials and political representatives who ensure the smooth functioning of the democratic process.”
The Commission urged all stakeholders to respect the electoral process and refrain from spreading unfounded allegations that can erode public confidence in India’s robust democratic institutions.
