Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India]: Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole has raised concerns over discrepancies in voter turnout data during the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly elections. Accusing the Election Commission of India (ECI) of tampering with voter data, Patole has written to the ECI seeking clarity on how voter turnout increased by 7.83 percentage points after official polling hours ended.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer, Patole claimed that public sentiment has become “intense” due to a perceived “scam” in voter turnout figures.
Key Points of the Allegations
- Discrepancy in Turnout Figures:
- Patole pointed out that official figures released by the Election Commission showed 65.2% turnout by 11:30 PM on November 20. However, by 3 PM the next day (November 21), the turnout was updated to 66.05%, reflecting an additional 1.03% or nearly 1 million votes.
- He questioned how such a significant increase in votes occurred overnight, demanding evidence such as video footage of long queues at polling stations post-5 PM on election day.
- Clarification Demanded:
- Patole called on the ECI to address public doubts and explain the circumstances behind the surge in voter turnout.
- “If there are doubts in the minds of the public about this increase in votes, it is the duty of the Election Commission to dispel them,” he said.
- Concerns Over EVMs:
- Congress and other opposition leaders, including NCP-SCP leader Rohit Pawar, raised concerns about the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Pawar noted a 76 lakh increase in voters compared to parliamentary elections, suggesting the need for an investigation.
- Demand for Ballot Papers:
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated his call to replace EVMs with ballot papers, alleging that votes from marginalized communities, including SC, ST, OBC, and the poor, are being “wasted.”
Election Results
The BJP emerged as the biggest winner, securing 132 of the 280 assembly seats, while its allies—the Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde) and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction)—won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, comprising the Congress, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), won just 46 seats.
Opposition’s Demand
The opposition parties have collectively demanded a thorough investigation into the voting process and voter turnout discrepancies. They are calling on the Election Commission to ensure transparency and restore public trust in the electoral system.
The ECI is yet to respond to these allegations.