Amid criticism of the Election Commission during the Lok Sabha elections, the Opposition INDIA bloc has continued their criticism in Parliament. Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party stated that he does not trust EVMs even if he wins all 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh, while Congress's K C Venugopal called the ECI a "frontal organization" of the BJP. RJD's Manoj Jha also questioned the credibility of the ECI, comparing it to the village head in the popular TV series "Panchayat". The Opposition had previously targeted the EC over allegations of "faulty" electoral rolls and delay in turnout data, with the CEC stating the result was a vindication of the poll panel's impartiality.
Opposition's Persistent Criticism of the Election Commission of India
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has come under fire from the opposition parties during the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections and beyond. Here's a comprehensive overview of the mounting criticism and its background:
Background:
The ECI is a constitucional body responsible for conducting free and fair elections in India. However, in recent years, its impartiality has been questioned by various political parties.
Current Criticism:
Opposition's Statements:
ECI's Response:
In response to the allegations, the CEC (Chief Election Commissioner) has maintained that the ECI is an impartial body and that the election results are a vindication of its fairness. The ECI has also explained the reasons for the delay in releasing turnout data.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Why is the opposition criticizing the ECI? Answer: The opposition is criticizing the ECI over allegations of EVM tampering, electoral rolls discrepancies, and delay in turnout data.
2. Has the ECI responded to the allegations? Answer: Yes, the CEC has maintained that the ECI is impartial and that the election results are proof of its fairness.
3. Are there any instances of past criticism of the ECI? Answer: Yes, in the past, the ECI has been criticized for its handling of elections in various states, raising questions about its neutrality.
4. What are the implications of the opposition's criticism? Answer: The criticism could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and lead to demands for electoral reforms.
5. What measures can be taken to address the concerns raised by the opposition? Answer: Strengthening the independence of the ECI, increasing transparency in electoral processes, and addressing concerns over EVM security are some potential measures to address these issues.
Conclusion:
The opposition's persistent criticism of the ECI is a serious matter that requires careful consideration and attention. It is essential to uphold the integrity and independence of the electoral process to ensure a fair and democratic election system. The ECI must continue to address the concerns raised and work towards maintaining public trust in the electoral system.
As the West Bengal Assembly elections near, the political battle between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) has intensified on social media. Following the BJP's victory in Bihar, the party declared its hopes to defeat TMC in Bengal on a popular platform, while TMC leader Kunal Ghosh responded with a proverb highlighting the BJP's potential failure in Bengal. Despite BJP's confidence, TMC remains unfazed and asserts their strong hold in the state.
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was criticized by BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla for going on a jungle safari in Madhya Pradesh's Satpura Tiger Reserve instead of focusing on the ongoing Bihar elections. Gandhi had earlier claimed that "vote theft" had taken place in several states, including Madhya Pradesh. BJP's Poonawalla mocked Gandhi's "priorities" and referred to him as the "Leader of Paryatan and partying."
The sudden blast in Delhi that left several people dead has shocked everyone, including Bollywood stars Raveena Tandon, Thalapathy Vijay, Vineet Kumar Singh, and Riddhima Kapoor Sahni. While police are investigating all possible angles, including a terrorist conspiracy, Raveena's comments on social media suggest a link to terrorist activity. The celebrities also expressed their condolences to the victims and their families.
In a historic move, the Madhya Pradesh government has announced that it will be releasing 32 prisoners, including nine from tribal communities, on November 15 to mark Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas or Tribal Pride Day. This decision, initiated by Governor Mangubhai C Patel, aims to recognize and celebrate the contributions of tribal communities on the birth anniversary of their icon, Birsa Munda. This is the first time in India that prisoners will be released on grounds of good conduct while serving jail terms. However, it should be noted that the release will not apply to convicts in cases of rape or the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO), as well as those convicted in multiple murder cases.
Today marks the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a fearless leader and freedom fighter who fought against British colonial oppression and the exploitation of tribal communities. His legacy of social justice and environmental protection continues to inspire movements in India today. As Jharkhand celebrates his birth anniversary, Birsa Munda's life serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and sustainability.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on 15th November for various ceremonies and inaugurations. At a programme in Dediapada, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over ₹9,700 crore, with a particular focus on improving infrastructure and empowering tribal communities. These include residential schools, multi-purpose centres, medical institutions, and marketing centres, among others. The projects aim to uplift marginalized communities and promote the preservation of tribal culture and heritage.
As the NDA secures a clear victory in the Bihar elections, social media has been abuzz with questions about the whereabouts of Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition and supposed face of the Congress in the state. With rumours circulating about him being in London or Muscat, there has been no official confirmation from the party or credible media outlets. This has sparked conversations about leadership and commitment within the party.
In a historic election year in Bihar, Gayetri Devi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the winner of the Parihar Assembly seat in the Parihar Vidhan Sabha constituency. This marks Devi's third consecutive win in the region, solidifying the BJP's stronghold in the area. The live results and updates from the counting centers are being closely monitored and reported by News18, providing real-time coverage of the election results.
In a stunning comeback, the Nitish Kumar-led NDA is set to secure a massive victory in the Bihar elections. As counting progresses, the numbers show a clear endorsement of Nitish's social welfare model, particularly among women and marginalized communities. This has also given a boost to the Modi government and solidified the alliance's stronghold in the state. While the RJD tried to tap into student anger and expand their coalition, the NDA's targeted outreach to women, consolidation among upper-caste voters, and support from Chirag Paswan's LJP (R) created an unstoppable wave that the Grand Alliance couldn't counter. Today's victory not only secures Nitish's 10th term as CM, but also validates the BJP's decision to publicly endorse him as the NDA's chief ministerial face.
After a close race, Mangal Pandey of the BJP has emerged as the winner for the Siwan Vidhan Sabha constituency in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. The live update on the results, as reported by News18 reporters present at each counting centre, shows BJP taking the lead in the state. This marks a significant win for the BJP, coming after a defeat in the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections.