Haryana Assembly election irregularities: The Congress has expressed strong disapproval of the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) response to its complaints regarding the recent Haryana Assembly elections, accusing the poll body of using a “condescending” tone and lacking neutrality.
The Congress issued a sharply-worded letter on Friday, claiming that the ECI’s replies to its complaints were increasingly “laced with ad-hominem attacks” against party leaders. The party threatened to seek legal recourse if the Commission continued with its alleged attacks.
In its letter, signed by senior Congress leaders including KC Venugopal, Ashok Gehlot, and Ajay Maken, the Congress maintained that it respects the office of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) but finds the current communication approach of the ECI objectionable.
“If the current ECI’s goal is to strip itself of the last vestiges of neutrality, then it is doing a remarkable job at creating that impression,” the Congress wrote.
The Election Commission’s response on Tuesday had criticized the Congress for making “baseless allegations” and advised the party to avoid “unfounded and sensational complaints.”
The ECI asserted that the electoral process in Haryana was conducted fairly and with transparency. Congress had earlier questioned the “unexplained slowdown” in updating election results during the counting process on October 8, when the BJP emerged victorious with 48 seats in Haryana’s 90-seat assembly, while Congress secured 37 seats.
Congress Alleges Haryana Assembly election irregularities
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed skepticism over the election results, stating that the outcome was “totally unexpected, completely surprising, and counter-intuitive.” Ramesh described the BJP’s win as “a victory for manipulation” and pledged that the Congress would continue to scrutinize the Haryana election process.
Referring to a previous incident in 2021 when the Madras High Court criticized the ECI for its handling of Covid-19 safety protocols during election rallies, Congress suggested that the ECI has historically resisted transparency measures. The party asserted that while its complaints on Haryana’s poll process were specific, the ECI’s comments appeared “generic and focused on diminishing the complaints and the petitioners.”
The Congress’s remarks add a new dimension to the ongoing debate over electoral transparency, highlighting the party’s concerns about the ECI’s response to election-related issues. As both parties stand firm, the Congress has hinted that it may seek legal measures to have any remarks it finds objectionable removed if necessary.
