According to Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, some seats have been stolen amid the counting of votes for the Maharashtra polls, leading to a win for the ruling Mahayuti. Along with other leaders, he questions the election results, alleging foul play and pointing to the use of EVMs in the elections. They have called for an investigation into the matter and expressed confidence in their faction's victory that is not reflected by the current trend.
Sanjay Raut's Allegations of Electoral Fraud in Maharashtra
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has made sensational allegations of electoral fraud in the recently concluded Maharashtra assembly polls. He claims that several seats were "stolen" from his party, leading to a victory for the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Background
The Maharashtra assembly elections were held on October 21, 2019. The counting of votes began on October 24 and concluded the following day. The Mahayuti alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), emerged victorious, winning 161 seats in the 288-member assembly. The Shiv Sena, which contested the election separately, won only 56 seats.
Allegations of Fraud
Raut has alleged that EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) were manipulated to alter the results of the election. He claims that in several constituencies, the number of votes cast for Shiv Sena candidates was significantly higher than the results announced by the Election Commission.
Raut has also pointed to discrepancies in the counting process, such as missing votes and irregularities in the tallying of ballots. He has demanded an investigation into the matter and has threatened to challenge the election results in court.
Rejection by the Election Commission
The Election Commission of India has rejected Raut's allegations of fraud. It has stated that all EVMs used in the election were properly calibrated and tested before the polls. The Commission has also dismissed claims of missing votes and irregularities, saying that the counting process was conducted fairly and transparently.
Political Implications
Raut's allegations have created a political storm in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena has called for the resignation of the Chief Electoral Officer and has threatened to stage protests across the state. The Mahayuti alliance has dismissed Raut's claims as baseless and has accused the Shiv Sena of trying to undermine the electoral process.
Top 5 FAQs
Q1: What is the basis of Sanjay Raut's allegations of fraud? A1: Raut claims that the number of votes cast for Shiv Sena candidates was significantly higher than the results announced by the Election Commission, and that there were discrepancies in the counting process.
Q2: Has the Election Commission responded to Raut's allegations? A2: Yes, the Election Commission has rejected Raut's allegations and stated that the EVMs used in the election were properly calibrated and tested.
Q3: What is the Shiv Sena's response to the Election Commission's rejection of their allegations? A3: The Shiv Sena has called for the resignation of the Chief Electoral Officer and has threatened to stage protests across the state.
Q4: Are there any precedents for allegations of EVM fraud in India? A4: Yes, there have been occasional allegations of EVM fraud in India, but none have been substantiated by credible evidence.
Q5: What are the possible consequences of Raut's allegations? A5: Raut's allegations could lead to a loss of public confidence in the electoral process and could potentially trigger a prolonged political crisis in Maharashtra.
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