Bhubaneswar: Amid repeated allegations of large-scale irregularities in the Maharashtra Assembly elections by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, questions are being raised about the functioning of the Election Commission of India. The Commission has been issuing clarifications on Rahul’s statements. In this context, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das today alleged that the Election Commission is hijacking the election process. He stated that this is not limited to Maharashtra; similar incidents were also witnessed during the recent elections in Odisha.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Congress Bhawan, Mr. Das said the Election Commission is a constitutional institution, but it has now become a puppet in the hands of the central government. He alleged that all kinds of violations are being committed to ensure the BJP wins more seats. The five key issues raised by Rahul Gandhi are indeed concerning. Despite concrete evidence suggesting that the functioning of the Commission, from the appointment of its members to its operations, is being directed by Modi and Shah, the Commission refuses to acknowledge or act on it.
In Maharashtra, even with credible proof of an unusual increase in the number of voters and an abnormally high voter turnout in a short span, the Commission has failed to take note. Even when the court directed the Commission to provide booth video footage, it did not comply.
Similarly, during the 2024 general elections in Odisha, booth fixing was reported in multiple places. From Talasara to Phulbani Assembly constituencies, it was found that the number of votes counted exceeded the number of votes actually cast. Yet, the Election Commission has not provided Form 17-C (which records the polling data) to the political parties that lodged complaints.
Former OPCC President Jaydev Jena commented that Modi and Shah are weakening the country’s democracy and have subjugated constitutional institutions. He demanded that upcoming elections should be held using ballot papers instead of EVMs.
Former minister Sharad Raut also echoed similar sentiments, stating that the Election Commission is functioning under the influence of the Modi-Shah duo. He highlighted that in the 2024 general elections in Odisha, the officer who conducted the elections was later rewarded with a position as Additional Chief Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office and subsequently appointed to a significant department in the Central Government.
Also present at the press meet were Rajani Mohanty, Sudarshan Das, Jayashree Patra, and Deepak Kumar Mahapatra.
