Congress Raises Concerns Over Voter List Discrepancies in Maharashtra Assembly Polls with Election Commission

A Congress delegation led by Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi met with the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday to address concerns over voter list discrepancies during the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The delegation highlighted issues including large-scale deletions and additions to the voter rolls and inconsistencies in voter turnout figures.

Singhvi criticized the deletion of voters’ names, demanding detailed, booth-wise data to understand the reasons behind these omissions. “The prescribed forms and procedures for this process must be followed,” he asserted. Similarly, he questioned the addition of 47 lakh names between the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, seeking transparency regarding door-to-door verification and raw data supporting these changes.

Voter turnout discrepancies were another major concern, with Singhvi pointing out variations in figures reported at different times. He argued that the difference between 58.22% turnout by 5 pm, 65.02% by 11:30 pm, and a final figure of 67% two days later could significantly alter electoral outcomes. Singhvi also alleged an unnatural rise in voter turnout in 118 constituencies, where an increase of over 25,000 votes was recorded—primarily in areas where the ruling party won.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) echoed these concerns, accusing the Election Commission of undermining electoral integrity through alleged partisan actions. In a statement, the CWC vowed to escalate the issue into a national movement, asserting that free and fair elections are a constitutional mandate that must not be compromised.

Singhvi concluded by emphasizing the gravity of the situation, stating, “If elections are not conducted properly, it undermines the fundamental structure of the Constitution.”