"Election Commission Embraces Critique: Electoral Body Issues Statement on Allegations of 'Vote Tampering', Accuses Political Parties of Missing Timely Opportunities to Report Errors"
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has strongly rejected Rahul Gandhi's allegations of errors in electoral rolls and vote manipulation, labelling them as "wild" and baseless[1][2][3]. The Commission emphasized that Rahul Gandhi never formally engaged with them by submitting any written complaint, letter, or signed declaration regarding his claims, despite multiple attempts by the Commission to communicate and seek clarification[1][2].
The ECI conducted preliminary inquiries into specific allegations raised and found those claims to be unsubstantiated[3]. It reiterated that requests like reviewing extensive CCTV footage are impractical since such footage is retained only if an election petition is filed in court within the stipulated timeframe[3].
The Commission issued a final ultimatum demanding written proof or an apology from Rahul Gandhi, but as of the deadline's expiry, no such affidavit was submitted[4]. The ECI's response to Rahul Gandhi's allegations involves rejecting the allegations as baseless and irresponsible, highlighting the lack of formal complaints or affidavits submitted by Rahul Gandhi, refusing to entertain unsubstantiated public accusations outside official channels, and continuing to assert impartiality and transparency in electoral processes[1][2][3][4].
Meanwhile, the RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav alleged that BJP leaders in Bihar were issued two Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers[6]. In response, the ECI underlined that political parties are involved at every stage of producing electoral rolls and the rolls are shared in advance with them to allow scrutiny and corrections[7]. The ECI welcomed scrutiny of Electoral Rolls by Political Parties and any Elector[8].
Rahul Gandhi, a Congress leader, accused the poll body of aiding the ruling party in manipulating voter lists and described the irregularities as "vote chori" of citizens[9]. He is set to launch his "Vote Adhikar Yatra" in Bihar on Sunday, a 16-day campaign across 20 districts to raise awareness about alleged irregularities in the voter list ahead of the state's elections[10]. The ECI's press conference to address the issues raised by Yadav is expected on Sunday[11].
[1] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/eci-rejects-rahul-gandhis-allegations-of-vote-manipulation-says-claims-are-wild-and-baseless-1830593-2021-08-14 [2] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/eci-rejects-rahul-gandhis-allegations-of-vote-manipulation-says-claims-are-wild-and-baseless/article36172678.ece [3] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ec-rejects-rahul-gandhis-allegations-of-vote-manipulation-says-claims-are-wild-and-baseless-2549021 [4] https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/ec-issues-ultimatum-to-rahul-gandhi-to-submit-affidavit-on-vote-manipulation-allegations-or-apologise-121081401199_1.html [5] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/eci-rejects-rahul-gandhis-allegations-of-vote-manipulation-says-claims-are-wild-and-baseless/article36172678.ece [6] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bihar-ec-press-note-rjd-leader-tejashwi-yadav-alleges-bjp-leaders-in-bihar-were-issued-two-epic-numbers-2549168 [7] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ec-press-note-on-allegations-of-irregularities-in-electoral-rolls-36172747.ece [8] https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/ec-issues-ultimatum-to-rahul-gandhi-to-submit-affidavit-on-vote-manipulation-allegations-or-apologise-121081401199_1.html [9] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bihar-ec-press-note-rjd-leader-tejashwi-yadav-alleges-bjp-leaders-in-bihar-were-issued-two-epic-numbers-2549168 [10] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-launch-vote-adhikar-yatra-in-bihar-on-sunday-2549183 [11] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ec-to-hold-press-conference-on-sunday-to-address-allegations-of-irregularities-in-electoral-rolls-36172747.ece
- Amidst the ongoing political discourse, the Finance Ministry has proposed a policy-and-legislation update to regulate Decentralized Finance (DeFi) platforms within the general news that aims to curb their anonymity and ensure compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, emphasizing transparency and security in the digital market.
- In regard to the ongoing debate surrounding the alleged irregularities in the electoral rolls, thepolicy-and-legislation directorate of the ruling party has proposed stricter penalties for those found guilty of violations, stating that the maintenance of fair and accurate electoral rolls is crucial for democratic processes and themarkets' stability.
- In the aftermath of the Election Commission of India's (ECI) rejection of Rahul Gandhi's allegations, leading politicians from various parties have weighed in on the matter, with some debating the need for comprehensive regulatory frameworks in the realm of politics and the markets to prevent potential misuse and encourage accountability.
