Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole has raised concerns about the significant increase in voter turnout by over 7% after polling for the Maharashtra Assembly election 2024 ended on November 20. He called for the Election Commission (EC) to provide clarification on this sudden spike in voter numbers, stating that the discrepancies in polling figures raise questions about the transparency of the election process.
During a press conference in Mumbai, Nana Patole highlighted that the voting percentage was recorded at 58.22% at 5 pm but surprisingly rose by 7.83 percentage points by 11.30 pm. He expressed his worries about the integrity of the voting process and emphasized the need for the EC to address these discrepancies promptly.
Patole criticized the situation as a “theft of people’s vote” and mentioned that legal action would be pursued to address these concerns. He also stressed the importance of raising awareness among the public about the importance of safeguarding democracy and ensuring fair elections.
Following the Maharashtra Assembly election results, where the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a significant victory with 230 seats out of 288, concerns about the voting process have been raised by opposition leaders. Patole’s demand for transparency and accountability from the EC reflects the broader sentiment within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
In addition to calling for clarification on the voter turnout spike, Nana Patole suggested that the EC should release photographs of the polling booths where voting continued until 11.30 pm. He reiterated that the focus should be on upholding democratic values rather than on the outcome of the election results.
Despite facing a defeat in the assembly elections, the opposition remains committed to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that the electoral process is fair and transparent. The concerns raised by Nana Patole and other opposition leaders highlight the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral system and addressing any discrepancies that may arise.
As discussions continue about the Maharashtra Assembly election and the implications of the voting process, it is essential for the EC to provide clarity and transparency to address the concerns raised by Nana Patole and other stakeholders. Upholding the credibility of the electoral process is crucial for maintaining public trust and confidence in the democratic system.
