EC Dismisses Congress Claims on Haryana Polls as 'Frivolous and Unfounded'

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has dismissed the Congress party's claims of irregularities in the Haryana assembly elections as unfounded. In a firm response, it has cautioned the party against circulating such accusations, which it describes as "baseless, misplaced and devoid of facts." This comes after the Congress put forth multiple complaints to the ECI, including concerns over the alleged slow pace of vote counting in the state elections. The ECI's letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge emphasizes the commission's role in safeguarding the electoral process's integrity, which they believe is being undermined by the party's recurring unfounded grievances.

The poll panel has highlighted a troubling pattern in the Congress party's behavior, noting its habit of casting doubt on the electoral process's reliability. This includes making allegations without presenting any concrete evidence, particularly around critical times like polling or counting days. The ECI pointed out that such actions not only lack foundation but also risk stirring unrest during sensitive phases of elections when public and political anxieties are at their highest. It underscored its concern by stating that these recurring allegations, often publicized even before formal communication with the ECI, coincide with the electoral cycle's peak periods.

In its defense against the accusations made by Congress, the ECI has provided examples from the past year where the party has repeatedly questioned the core elements of the Indian electoral process without any substantive proof. The ECI's letter criticized the Congress for what it sees as a discernible pattern in the timing and nature of these accusations. By highlighting the procedural integrity of the electoral steps and the requirement for candidates' consent at each stage, the ECI underscored the baselessness of the Congress's claims. It lamented that such allegations came from a national political party with a long history of participation in Indian electoral politics.

The ECI's response strongly refutes the Congress party's claims, pointing out the lack of evidence behind allegations that question the credibility of the electoral outcomes. The commission expressed disappointment over the Congress's approach, stressing that it undermines the trust in the electoral process. Furthermore, the ECI reassured all political parties of its commitment to addressing any legitimate grievances promptly, emphasizing the importance of constructive feedback in strengthening India's electoral democracy.