Key Points

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor joined INDIA bloc leaders in a march to the Election Commission, demanding transparency over alleged voter fraud. He stressed that the EC must address public doubts to restore credibility. Opposition MPs accused the poll body of ignoring electoral malpractices in recent by-elections. The protest, led by Rahul Gandhi, faced resistance from Delhi Police, which denied permission for the march.

Key Points: Shashi Tharoor Says EC Must Address Doubts to Regain Credibility

  • Tharoor urges EC to clear doubts on election fairness
  • INDIA bloc marches protesting alleged voter theft
  • Opposition MPs accuse EC of ignoring electoral fraud
  • Delhi Police denies permission for protest march
3 min read

Election Commission's own interest lies in addressing these questions: Shashi Tharoor

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor demands EC restore trust amid INDIA bloc protest over alleged voter fraud and electoral roll revisions.

"The Election Commission's own interest lies in addressing these questions. – Shashi Tharoor"

New Delhi, August 11

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said on Monday that the Election Commisisons credibility can be "regained" as long as those "doubts" about the fairness of the elections are removed as the INDIA bloc leaders march to Election Commisison to protest the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and allegations of vote theft.

Tharoor, who joined the march, told ANI, "As long as there are doubts in the minds of people about the fairness of the elections, that is harming the credibility of the Election Commission. As long as those doubts are removed, then the Election Commission's credibility can be regained. The Election Commission's own interest lies in addressing these questions.

Delhi Police were seen stopping the MPs who were raising slogans of "vote chor" as they marched towards the office of the poll body at Nirvachan Sadan.The protest march began from the Makar Dwar of the Parliament under the leadership of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

The MPs began their march to urge the EC to address their concerns on the alleged "voter theft".

Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav who was part of the protest march said, "Questions are being raised on our democracy. In UP, by-elections were held on 10 Vidhan Sabha seats; not only were votes stolen, but booths were captured. Why didn't the Election Commission take action against the officers who were working on orders of the state government."

RJD MP Manoj Jha said that SIR is a "fraud" and accused EC of not providing a classified data."If you cannot meet MPs citing the excuse of space, then that in itself is a comment on what kind of work you are doing... This (SIR) is a fraud; you are not providing classified data. Despite the Supreme Court's instructions, your (Election Commission) stubbornness is not going away," Jha said

Meanwhile, Delhi Police has said that the Opposition MPs have sought no permission for the march.

Responding to the Police statement, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi said, "They never give permission. They are using political language on the directions of the government. Entire Opposition will take out the march under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. They will try to stop us, but we will try our best to reach EC's office."

Earlier, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari, speaking about the march, said, "Rahul Gandhi is walking on Gandhi ji's path. He held a press conference, but the Election Commission is not ready to consider it; instead, it is asking for an affidavit. Everyone knows the Election Commission is under whose pressure. Like Gandhi did, the Dandi march for independence, we are marching to save democracy."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While I appreciate Tharoor's balanced approach, this march seems more like political drama. If they have genuine concerns, why not approach courts instead of roadside protests? EC has conducted elections smoothly in past, these allegations need proper evidence.
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Amit K
As a common citizen, I'm worried 😟 Booth capturing in UP? If true, this is serious! EC must conduct impartial investigation. Our vote is our only power in democracy - can't let anyone steal it. #SaveDemocracy
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Shweta Y
Comparing this to Gandhi's Dandi March is ridiculous! One was for freedom, this is just opposition unable to accept electoral defeats. EC has always been fair - remember how they stood up to pressure during EVM debates?
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Manoj Q
The real issue is EC's refusal to share data. Transparency is key in democracy. If they have nothing to hide, why not provide information? Supreme Court has already instructed them, yet they resist. Suspicious, no?
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Neha E
Both sides need to behave responsibly. Opposition shouldn't use words like "vote chor" without proof, and EC must address genuine concerns. Let's not make every institution partisan. India deserves better! 🙏
K
Karan T
Remember 2014 when

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