CEC Rajiv Kumar Addresses Electoral Transparency Following SC’s Verdict

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar exercised his voting rights at a polling booth in Delhi, emphasizing the importance of dispelling doubts and suspicions surrounding electoral processes, in light of the recent Supreme Court decision on Form 17C data and booth-wise voter turnout.

Speaking on the Supreme Court’s decision to decline passing any direction on the Election Commission’s handling of Form 17C data, CEC Rajiv Kumar pledged to address concerns and reveal the truth behind any misleading information. “An attempt is made to create an atmosphere of doubt. We will discuss this with everyone one day for sure,” Kumar asserted.

Furthermore, Kumar underscored the EC’s commitment to transparency, stating, “What’s the play here, why are doubts created, and why are suspicions raised, we will reveal all of this one day and show everyone how people are misled.”

The Supreme Court’s decision not to intervene in the uploading of Form 17C data comes amid ongoing discussions about electoral transparency and accountability. CEC Rajiv Kumar’s remarks highlight the EC’s dedication to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process in India.

Regarding voter turnout, Kumar commended the participation across generations and emphasized the significance of voting for every citizen. Sharing his personal experience of voting alongside his 95-year-old father, wife, and daughter, he stated, “When I cast my vote for the first time, I went with my father, and today I have brought my father with me who is now 95 years old. He voted with me today, and my wife and daughter are also with me. So, three generations have cast their votes together today.”

Meanwhile, voting is underway for a total of 58 constituencies across six states and two union territories in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls, with over 11.13 crore voters exercising their franchise to decide the fate of 889 candidates. This phase includes constituencies from Bihar, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Delhi, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, with 42 assembly constituencies in Odisha also going to polls simultaneously.