NewKerala.com

Key Points

Congress leader Pawan Khera has raised serious questions about the sudden increase in Maharashtra's voter list before the 2024 assembly elections. He highlighted the unexpected addition of 41 lakh new voters in just five months, challenging the electoral process's transparency. The Election Commission strongly defended its integrity, calling such allegations an "affront to the rule of law". The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between political parties regarding electoral fairness and voter registration practices.

Key Points: Pawan Khera Challenges Maharashtra Voter List Surge

  • Congress challenges sharp rise in Maharashtra voter list
  • Khera questions polling percentage increase after 5 PM
  • Election Commission defends electoral process
  • Allegations of potential election rigging emerge
2 min read

How can 41 lakh new voters be added to voter list in five months: Pawan Khera on Maharashtra polls

Congress leader questions 41 lakh new voters added in five months before Maharashtra polls, alleging election irregularities

"How can 41 lakh new voters be added to the voter list in five months? - Pawan Khera, Congress Leader"

New Delhi, June 7

Backing Rahul Gandhi's allegation of election rigging in Maharashtra polls, Congress leader Pawan Khera on Saturday asked how 41 lakh new voters could be added to Maharashtra's voter list in the five months preceding the 2024 assembly elections in the state.

"Our questions are very clear... In five years from 2019 to 2024, 31 lakh new voters were added to the voter list in Maharashtra. How can 41 lakh new voters be added to the voter list in five months?" Khera asked.

Taling to ANI, he also raised questions over the "sharp rise" in polling percentage in Maharashtra polls after 5 pm.

"They are showing a provisional turnout of 58.22 per cent voting at 5 pm, and the final turnout is 66 per cent. How can there be an increase of 8 per cent?... They did not provide us with videography... How can new voters come from the same 12,000 booths where the BJP lost the Lok Sabha elections and the BJP won the assembly elections?" he asked.

He also slammed the Centre, asking why the Chief Justice of India was removed from the committee that selects the Chief Election Commissioner.

"Why was the Chief Justice of India removed from the committee that selects the Chief Election Commissioner?"

The Election Commission on Saturday described Rahul Gandhi's allegations relating to Maharashtra polls as an "affront to the rule of law".

"Unsubstantiated allegations raised against the electoral rolls of Maharashtra are affront to the rule of law. The Election Commission had brought out all these facts in its reply to the INC on 24th December 2024 itself, which is available on ECI's website. It appears that all these facts are completely being ignored while raising such issues again and again," ECI said.

"Any misinformation being spread, by anyone, is not only a sign of disrespect towards the Law, but also brings disrepute to the thousands of representatives appointed by their own political party and demotivates lakhs of election staff who work untiringly and transparently during elections. After any unfavourable verdict by the voters, trying to defame the Election Commission by saying that it is compromised, is completely absurd," it added.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
These are serious questions that need proper answers. A sudden spike of 41 lakh voters in 5 months does raise eyebrows. ECI should provide detailed data to clear doubts instead of just calling it "affront to law". Transparency is key in democracy.
P
Priya M.
As someone from Maharashtra, I remember voter registration drives were very active last year. Many youngsters got enrolled including my brother and cousins. Maybe the numbers are genuine? 🤔 But yes, ECI should explain properly.
A
Amit S.
Why is Congress raising this only after losing? They should have questioned the voter list BEFORE elections if they had doubts. This looks like sour grapes to me. Our election process is one of the most robust in the world.
S
Sunita P.
The 8% jump in voting percentage after 5pm is indeed suspicious. In my area, polling stations were almost empty by evening. ECI must release booth-wise voting patterns with timestamps to clear doubts. Democracy needs accountability!
V
Vikram J.
Whether the allegations are true or not, removing CJI from EC selection committee was wrong. This needs bipartisan scrutiny. Our institutions must remain independent for democracy to thrive. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
N
Neha T.
Both sides need to behave responsibly. Opposition shouldn't make baseless allegations, but ECI also can't just dismiss concerns. Maybe time for electoral reforms with all-party consensus? We need to strengthen our democratic processes.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50