Jhooth Ke Gubbare: CEC Rajiv Kumar's befitting reply to MVA's claims on rigging of EVMs
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New Delhi, Jan 8: In a befitting reply to the Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra, the Chief Election Commissioner of India (CEC) Rajiv Kumar called upon all political parties to maintain decorum while electioneering and refrain from "spreading lies" about the electoral process, emphasising that such actions mislead the public and discourage youth participation in elections.
Addressing a press conference at Vigyan Bhawan in the national Capital, the CEC said, "In order to ensure inducement-free elections, money power will be tackled, and everyone will be thoroughly checked." He also rejected claims of Maharashtra Opposition's that EVMs can be tampered with and cited several court judgments upholding their reliability to state that rigging them is an impossibility.
Citing an incident during the Maharashtra Assembly elections, CEC Rajiv Kumar highlighted the Election Commission's thoroughness in conducting checks. "There were allegations that only a particular leader's helicopter was checked, while others were not. Despite such accusations and even abusive language directed at us, we maintained our composure to ensure a level playing field," CEC Rajiv Kumar said citing an incident of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray who insulted ECI officials for checking his bags during the poll campaign.
He also addressed inappropriate behaviour toward polling officials, adding, "Sometimes, threats are made against polling staff. We urge political campaigners and star campaigners to maintain politeness and sociability during elections. Improper behaviour, especially toward women and children, will not be tolerated. This is a strict warning."
Further, he stressed the importance of ethical campaigning, urging political parties and candidates to follow guidelines and avoid lowering the campaign's decorum. "Don't let campaigns stoop to a level where voters, particularly young ones, feel discouraged. Let's uphold etiquette and fairness," he said.
Notably, the Assembly elections in Maharashtra held last year had hit headlines with the opposition crying foul over EVMs. Despite several responses given by the ECI, it came up with baseless allegations. The things worsened when a re-election was being prepared in Markwadi village of Solapur district using ballot papers. The planned "re-election," later called off by authorities, stemmed from dissatisfaction among supporters of NCP(SP) MLA Uttamrao Jankar, who lost to BJP's Ram Satpute in Markadwadi, despite winning the overall Malshiras Assembly seat by a margin of over 13,000 votes.
Here, the irony is undeniable. The EVM was introduced by the Congress itself, yet today, it has become their favourite scapegoat.
However, after the CEC's clarifications it should be noted that democracy thrives when all parties respect the process and focus on governance over grievances. The voters have made their choice, so let's move forward.