Congress Delegation Meets Election Commission: Key Points

Introduction

On Thursday, February 16, 2023, a delegation of Congress leaders met with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to discuss various electoral reforms and express concerns regarding the upcoming assembly elections in Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.

Key Points

EVM Concerns

The Congress delegation raised concerns about the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and demanded a return to paper ballots. They alleged that EVMs are vulnerable to manipulation and could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.

VVPAT Verification

The delegation also demanded 100% verification of Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPAT) slips with EVM results to ensure transparency and prevent any discrepancies.

Fair Campaigning

The Congress leaders urged the ECI to ensure fair and equitable campaigning practices during the upcoming elections. They expressed concerns about the misuse of government machinery and money power by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

ECI's Response

The ECI assured the delegation that it is committed to conducting free and fair elections. It stated that EVMs are reliable and secure and that VVPAT slips are being used to verify results in a significant number of polling stations.

Conclusion

The meeting between the Congress delegation and the ECI reflects the ongoing debate over electoral reforms in India. The Congress party's concerns highlight the importance of ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, while the ECI's assurances aim to reassure voters about the fairness of upcoming elections.