Election Commission’s Response to Congress Chief’s Letter Sparks Controversy

Rajasthan, May 12, 2024 - The Election Commission’s reaction to a letter by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expressing concern over delays in releasing voter turnout figures for the first two poll phases has been deemed “completely inappropriate and unwarranted” by former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

In a response to Kharge’s letter, the commission on Friday called it an attempt to push a biased narrative under the guise of seeking clarifications. Gehlot, in a post on X, criticized the commission’s language, stating it seemed more like that of a political party than a constitutional institution.

“The Election Commission is seen standing with one party in these elections and that is creating doubts in the minds of the common people,” Gehlot said. He added that such a reaction is not good for the Election Commission’s image.

Gehlot expressed surprise that the Election Commission is reacting to internal discussions between parties but is not taking cognizance of the complaints raised by the opposition parties. “In Rajasthan, the Congress filed more than 20 complaints but it did not even issue notices on them,” Gehlot added.

Kharge, on his part, found it surprising that the poll authority chose to respond to a letter he wrote to INDIA bloc leaders but ignored several other complaints he raised directly to it. In a letter addressed to the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners, he said the poll panel is showing no urgency in dealing with “blatantly communal and casteist” statements being made by leaders of the ruling party.

Kharge clarified that his letter was an open letter clearly addressed to the Congress’ partners and not the commission. “It is surprising that the Election Commission of India wanted to respond to this letter while ignoring several other complaints given directly to it,” Kharge said in his letter to the poll authority on Saturday.

He further pointed out the contradictory stance of the poll authority’s letter, which on one hand, says the commission respects citizens’ right to ask questions and, on the other, “threatens citizens in the form of an advise to exercise caution”.