Maharashtra: Nana Patole questions ECI over unexplained spike in voter turnout

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole has been outspoken in raising concerns about the transparency and functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

His criticisms are part of a broader context where Opposition leaders have increasingly questioned the impartiality and fairness of the ECI, especially in light of recent elections.

In a letter to the ECI, Patole highlighted a glaring discrepancy in voter turnout figures during the recent Maharashtra assembly elections and demanded an explanation from the poll body.

He claimed that the voter turnout, recorded at 58.22 per cent at 5.00 pm on 20 November, inexplicably surged to 66.05 per cent by 11.30 pm, based on data from electronic voting machines (EVMs)."This unexplained rise in voting percentage raises serious doubts about the Election Commission's credibility and the integrity of the democratic process," he said.

Patole demanded a detailed clarification from the ECI, urging the release of photographic evidence from polling stations where voting reportedly continued late into the night. He also pledged that the Congress would take legal recourse and mobilise public opinion to safeguard democracy.

Maharashtra watchers say as the Congress shifts its focus to electoral transparency, the party aims to galvanise public support and hold institutions accountable to ensure the sanctity of India's democratic framework. "This is not about who won or lost; it is about protecting democracy," said Patole, emphasising the Congress' commitment to ensure electoral integrity.

The results of the Maharashtra assembly elections, announced on 23 November, saw the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secure a resounding victory, capturing 230 seats in the 288-member House.

The BJP, rebounding from its Lok Sabha election setbacks, emerged as the largest constituent of the alliance with 132 seats. Its allies, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP, won 57 and 41 seats, respectively.

In contrast, the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) faced a major blow. The Congress managed to win only 16 seats, one of its worst performances in the state. Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) secured just 10 seats, while Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) won 20.

Patole himself narrowly retained his Sakoli segment in Bhandara district, defeating BJP candidate Avinash Brahmankar by a razor-thin margin of 208 votes.

In response to the criticism raised by Patole regarding the transparency of the election process, the ECI has firmly asserted that all the poll procedures followed during elections in Maharashtra were transparent and in line with established norms.

The ECI emphasised that it has maintained the integrity and fairness of the election process, and any allegations related to procedural discrepancies would be thoroughly examined.

In its interim response to the party, the poll authority invited a Congress delegation on 3 December to discuss concerns expressed by it. The commission also assured of a review of the Congress' legitimate concerns and a written response after hearing the party's delegation in person.

It asserted that a transparent electoral roll updation process was undertaken with the involvement of all political parties.

With PTI inputs