The Congress raised concerns over the delay in the Election Commission’s website updating counting data for the Haryana Assembly election results on Tuesday, particularly after the BJP showed a sudden lead over Congress in early trends.
Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications, Jairam Ramesh submits a memorandum to the Election Commission, requesting it to issue immediate directions to its officials to update the website "with true and accurate figures so that the false news and malicious narratives… pic.twitter.com/HQIaPZGWdo
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Congress Alleges Data Upload Delays
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh voiced the party’s concerns on social media, tweeting about the slowing down of trend updates on the Election Commission of India (ECI) website. He questioned whether the BJP was attempting to pressure the administration by presenting outdated and misleading trends. Ramesh’s tweet highlighted similarities to issues raised during the Lok Sabha elections.
As the trends stood, the ruling BJP surged past the halfway mark, leading on 49 seats, while Congress was ahead on 34, according to the latest ECI website updates. The halfway mark to form the government in Haryana is 46 seats.
Also Read: Exit Polls Fail To Feel Voters’ Pulse In Haryana – How They Had Defaulted In Recent Polls?
Official Complaints to the Election Commission
In addition to the tweets, Jairam Ramesh formally wrote to the Election Commission, pointing out an “inordinate and unacceptable delay” in the election results being updated online. Congress leader Pawan Khera added that there were discrepancies in the number of rounds counted versus the data being displayed on TV. Khera noted that while 11 rounds of counting had been completed, the Election Commission’s data reflected only up to the fifth round in some constituencies.
Khera further emphasized the contrast in the data flow between the Jammu and Kashmir elections, where live updates were being provided after each round, and the lagging trends in Haryana. This raised further suspicions within the Congress camp.
BJP’s Response
Responding to the allegations, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya criticized the Congress, accusing the party of routinely blaming external factors when facing electoral defeat. He remarked that Congress had shifted from blaming electronic voting machines (EVMs) in the past to now questioning the Election Commission’s website.
Malviya also pointed out that Congress should accept that the BJP’s win reflected the people’s choice in Haryana, with the party securing a third consecutive term due to the positive work done by the BJP government. He urged Congress to be “graceful” in acknowledging its loss and understanding that it is no longer the default choice for voters in the country.
As of now, the counting is ongoing, and both parties continue to monitor the trends closely.
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