By Firstdespatch Desk Apr 22, 2025
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a detailed statement addressing recent allegations concerning the integrity of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, emphasizing that all processes were conducted strictly in accordance with the law and under full transparency.
According to the ECI, a total of 6,40,87,588 electors cast their votes across the state between 7 AM and 6 PM on polling day. This translates to an average of 58 lakh votes being cast per hour. Based on these trends, nearly 116 lakh votes could have been polled in the final two hours. However, the actual number of votes cast during that period was just 65 lakh, which is significantly lower than the average, countering any suggestion of inflated voting figures.
Furthermore, voting at every polling booth was conducted in the presence of polling agents formally appointed by political parties, including the Indian National Congress (INC). Notably, no formal or substantiated objections regarding any irregularities in voting were raised by INC agents during scrutiny sessions before the Returning Officers (ROs) and Election Observers.
The Commission also clarified that the Electoral Rolls in India, including those used in Maharashtra, are prepared in accordance with the Representation of People Act, 1950 and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. These rolls undergo a Special Summary Revision either annually or ahead of elections, and final copies are shared with all national and state parties. For the Maharashtra elections, only 89 appeals were filed before the District Magistrates and a single appeal before the Chief Electoral Officer, despite the presence of 9.77 crore electors. This indicates broad satisfaction with the electoral roll from all parties, including INC.
Additionally, 1,03,727 Booth Level Agents were appointed by various political parties, including 27,099 by the INC, working alongside 97,325 Booth Level Officers. These figures reinforce the transparency of the process and the extensive participation of all parties involved.
The ECI had responded to the INC’s concerns as early as December 24, 2024, and the communication remains publicly accessible on the Commission’s official website. The Commission expressed concern that these facts continue to be ignored, and that such baseless allegations undermine public trust.
The ECI concluded by reaffirming that India’s electoral process is globally respected for its precision and fairness. Spreading misinformation or questioning the integrity of the system without evidence is not only an attack on the rule of law but also a disservice to lakhs of honest election staff and party representatives. PRESS RELEASE