The Election Commission of India (ECI) has dismissed allegations raised by the Congress party regarding discrepancies in voter turnout data during the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Congress leaders had flagged concerns about a sudden spike in turnout figures after the initial polling data was shared.
In a statement, the ECI clarified that such variations are routine as field data is updated and verified throughout the day. “An increase in voter turnout figures during the final tally is a normal occurrence. It reflects the data reconciliation process, which includes updating numbers from remote polling stations and correcting errors in initial entries,” an official explained.
The Congress had questioned the legitimacy of the polling process, citing an unusually high increase in turnout percentages in certain constituencies. The ECI has urged political parties to refrain from making “baseless claims” and assured the public of the transparency and integrity of the electoral process.
Election analysts also noted that discrepancies in early turnout data are not uncommon, attributing them to logistical challenges in consolidating information from thousands of polling booths. The ECI reiterated its commitment to ensuring free and fair elections, stating that any concerns raised by political parties would be addressed through appropriate channels.
