Raipur (Chhattisgarh), April 22 (ANI): Congress leader Supriya Shrinate voiced serious concerns over the fairness of India’s electoral process, citing irregularities in voter data — especially in Maharashtra — and calling for greater transparency from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Shrinate’s remarks followed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s controversial statement made in the US, where he alleged that the Indian Election Commission was “compromised” and questioned the integrity of the democratic process.
“Do you think free and fair elections are taking place in this country?” Shrinate asked, referring to voter figures in Maharashtra. “In a state where the adult population is 9.54 crore, how can 9.70 crore people cast their votes?”
She highlighted a significant spike in registered voters — 32 lakh added over five years, followed by a sudden increase of 49 lakh in just five months — suggesting possible manipulation. “These numbers raise serious questions,” she said.
Shrinate also criticized the ECI for rejecting Congress’ request for videography of polling stations and for altering procedural rules. “When we asked for videography, the Election Commission denied it and also changed the rules… This undermines the integrity of the election process.”
Rahul Gandhi’s earlier remarks in Boston, where he alleged systemic flaws and questioned the neutrality of the EC, have triggered a heated political row. Congress allies rallied behind Gandhi, defending his claims of inflated and fake voter registrations, especially in BJP-ruled states.
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury supported Gandhi’s claims, saying, “His complaints are valid, and the ruling party should respond.” Similarly, Bhupinder Singh Hooda echoed that ballot-based elections could be a more reliable alternative.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also backed Gandhi, calling his data “factual” and his criticism “100 per cent correct”.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders launched sharp counterattacks. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis accused Gandhi of defaming India’s institutions on foreign soil, calling it “very sad and irresponsible.” BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla added that Gandhi’s comments were aimed at “humiliating Indian institutions abroad.”
As the debate over electoral transparency intensifies, the Election Commission is yet to formally respond to the claims of voter inflation or calls for procedural reforms. (ANI)
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