Context: Amid the ongoing ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in bihar, congress MP manish tewari raised strong concerns about the credibility of the election commission of india (ECI) and the alleged issue of ‘vote chori’ (vote theft).

Trust Deficit in ECI:

Tewari claimed that “many people in this country do not trust the election commission today.”

He alleged that the poll body has “lost the trust of its substantial shareholders.”


Reform in Appointment of ECs:

Suggested that the Chief Justice of india, the Prime Minister, the home Minister, and both Leaders of the Opposition should form a committee to select the three election Commissioners.

Argued this is necessary to restore credibility to the institution.


Concerns over EVMs:

Questioned the ECI’s silence over allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) rigging.

Cited haryana elections, where EVMs reportedly retained 99% battery even after three days in the strong room.

Compared it with devices like iPads, which lose charge overnight, raising suspicion about tampering.

Demanded that the ECI answer how such anomalies occur.


Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Voter Rolls:

Expressed suspicion over the timing of the revision just months before bihar elections.

Pointed out that there is no constitutional provision for SIR.

Claimed the hurried process raises doubts about manipulation.


Earlier Response from ECI:

Chief election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar rejected rahul Gandhi’s allegations of “vote theft.”

Stated that either an affidavit must be filed or an apology made; otherwise, the claims are baseless.


Voter Adhikar Yatra:

A 16-day march led by rahul gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav across 20 districts, covering 1,300 km.

Aims to highlight alleged irregularities in voter lists.

Concludes in patna on september 1.

Bihar assembly elections are expected later this year, though official dates are yet to be announced.
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D N INDUJAA

31/08/2025 04:09 PM