Dysfunctional Election Commission of India & Weaponisation of India’s Election System
- Sathish Tarnas
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
The attached document titled "Dysfunctional Election Commission of India & Weaponisation of India’s Election System" by Vote for Democracy (VFD) examines alleged irregularities and systemic manipulation in India's electoral processes, focusing on the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, and the 2025 Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. It raises concerns about the Election Commission of India's (ECI) lack of transparency, procedural violations, and alleged bias favoring the ruling party. Key issues include:
Discrepancies in voter data during the Bihar SIR, such as static voter categories despite active updates, unexplained surges in voter deletions, and inconsistencies in the number of forms received versus voters removed. The document highlights disproportionately high voter deletion rates in specific districts, suggesting targeted disenfranchisement of vulnerable groups.
Allegations of improper voter deletions and additions in Maharashtra, including a suspicious surge of 48 lakh new voters before the 2024 Assembly elections, cases of voter fraud, and anomalies in voter turnout, such as a dramatic surge in votes after polling hours.
Concerns about the handling of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), including reduced CCTV footage retention periods.
Allegations by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regarding favoritism in the tender process for webcasting services during the Kaliganj by-election and the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, with claims of bias toward a Gujarat-based firm over local agencies.
The document calls for accountability and transparency from the ECI, urging public disclosure of voter roll data, thorough investigations into irregularities, and urgent reforms to restore trust in the electoral system and uphold democratic principles.
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