The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday refuted social media allegations suggesting discrepancies between the number of votes polled and those counted during the 2024 Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. The poll body labeled these claims as "misleading" and responded by sharing constituency-wise data to substantiate its figures.
In a statement issued via its official social media handle on X, the Commission addressed reports that cited specific constituencies in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jammu and Kashmir. The ECI noted that the social media posts relied on vague "internal records" without specifying the source, even alleging that zero votes had been counted in certain areas.
The Commission maintained that all election-related data, including total votes cast, postal ballots, and electronic voting machine (EVM) tallies, are available in its official statistical reports and index cards. It further explained that Form 17C serves as the mandatory statutory account for every polling station. This document, prepared by the presiding officer at the conclusion of polling, is provided to the polling agents of candidates present at the site.
According to the ECI, the verification process on counting day involves agents checking the numbers recorded in Part-I of Form 17C against the actual votes counted, which are noted in Part-II of the same form. By reiterating these procedures, the Commission aimed to clarify the integrity of the electoral data presented in its reports.
Key facts
- The ECI rejected social media claims regarding the 2024 Lok Sabha and state assembly elections as misleading.
- Constituency-wise data was published by the poll body to clarify figures for regions in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir.
- Form 17C is the official statutory record of votes cast at a polling station and is shared with candidate agents.
- The Commission's statistical reports and index cards containing final polling data are available for public viewing on its website.
Source: Times of India
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