CEC Rejects ‘Vote Theft’ Allegations, Defends Electoral Roll Revision in Bihar
New Delhi, Aug 17: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday dismissed as “baseless” the Opposition’s allegations of “vote chori” during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, asserting that the exercise is being carried out in a transparent and inclusive manner.
Addressing a press conference, Kumar said the SIR is aimed at removing shortcomings in voters’ lists and ensuring accuracy. He expressed concern over “misinformation” being spread by some parties and urged them to file claims and objections within the 15-day window still available.
“The Election Commission cannot discriminate among political parties. Both ruling and opposition parties are equal before us,” he said, adding that neither the Commission nor voters are swayed by “false claims” of double voting.
The CEC stressed that booth-level officers and agents of all parties are working together, and the EC’s doors remain open to all stakeholders.
The remarks came as Congress and other INDIA bloc parties launched the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in poll-bound Bihar, accusing the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP to manipulate voter lists. Rahul Gandhi, addressing a rally in Sasaram, alleged that the EC was “stealing” elections but vowed that the Opposition would resist any attempt to subvert the Bihar polls. (Agencies)
