The Election Commission of India (ECI) has requested a response from Congress leader Jairam Ramesh regarding his public allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Ramesh claimed through a social media post that Shah has been making calls to 150 District Magistrates (DMs) just days before the scheduled vote counting on June 4.
The ECI has asked Ramesh to provide factual information and details to support his claims by the evening of June 2, 2024, for further action.
In a letter addressed to Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh, the Election Commission highlighted the seriousness of the allegations. The ECI stated that the counting of votes is a critical responsibility assigned to each Returning Officer (RO).
Public statements by senior and experienced leaders, such as Ramesh, can cast doubt on this process and therefore need to be addressed for the sake of public trust.
The letter from the ECI further noted that no DM has reported any undue influence. However, the Commission has asked Ramesh to provide specific details of the 150 DMs allegedly influenced by Amit Shah, as claimed by Ramesh. The Commission aims to verify these claims and ensure the integrity of the election process.
On Saturday, Jairam Ramesh alleged that the "outgoing Home Minister has been calling up DMs/Collectors," describing this as an act of "BJP desperation." He urged officials to resist any pressure and uphold the Constitution, asserting that the will of the people will prevail.
Ramesh confidently predicted that the INDIA Janbandhan alliance would be victorious on June 4, leading to the exit of Mr. Modi, Mr. Shah, and the BJP. He emphasised that officers should remain vigilant and not succumb to intimidation.
In addition to Ramesh's allegations, a delegation from the INDIA bloc is scheduled to meet with the Election Commission at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi. This meeting aims to address concerns and ensure a fair counting process.
The context of these developments is the anticipation surrounding the results of the Lok Sabha elections, with exit polls predicting a return to power for the BJP.
If these predictions hold true, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would become the only PM after Jawaharlal Nehru to win three successive terms in Lok Sabha polls.
The exit polls have forecasted 'Modi 3.0,' highlighting the significant role played by Modi in leading the BJP's campaign through numerous rallies and roadshows across the country.
As the nation awaits the official election results on June 4, the ECI's request for clarity from Jairam Ramesh underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
The allegations and subsequent response will be closely monitored by both political parties and the public, with the outcome potentially impacting the credibility of the election results.
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