National News

ECI Refuses To Grant Extra Time To Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh For Response Over His Claim On Union HM Amit Shah

June 3, 2024
The Commune

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had contacted 150 District Magistrates of an equal number of Parliamentary constituencies to influence the counting process of the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls. Election Commission of India issued a notice to Jairam Ramesh asking him to furnish the details/disclose the names of the DMs. In response, Jairam Ramesh requested that he be given a week’s time to gather the details.

The request from Jairam Ramesh, spokesperson for the Congress, for a week’s time to respond to a letter from the Election Commission of India (ECI) has been denied. The ECI has instructed the Congress leader to provide a response by 7 PM on 3 June 2024 concerning his previous assertions.

A communication sent by ECI dated on 3 June 2024, requested a response by 7:00 PM on the same day. The letter stated, “Dear Sir, 1 am directed to refer to your letter dated 03.06.2024 in response to the Commission’s letter of even number dated 02.06.2024 whereby you have sought an extension of one week to file a detailed reply. Your allegation that attempts have been made to influence the District Magistrates of around 150 Parliamentary Constituencies, who are also the ROs/DEOs, has serious connotation and direct bearing on the sanctity of the counting process, scheduled for tomorrow.”

The letter added, “As mentioned in Commissions letter dated 02.06.2024, no DM has reported any such undue influence as alleged by you. Therefore, the Commission hereby outrightly rejects your request for time extension and directs you to file your response along with the factual matrix/basis of your allegation by 19.00 hours today i.e. 03.06.2024, failing which it would be presumed that you have nothing eubstantive to say in the matter and the Commission would proceed ahead to take appropriate action.” 

The Commission highlighted the seriousness of such allegations, emphasizing the need to address them in the public interest. Although no district magistrates reported undue influence, the Commission sought clarification from Ramesh regarding the alleged calls made by Amit Shah to 150 district magistrates. Ramesh had accused the BJP of intimidation tactics, urging officials not to succumb to pressure and uphold the Constitution. As the exit poll results suggested BJP’s return to power with Narendra Modi potentially securing a historic third consecutive term, Ramesh criticized the alleged intimidation tactics and expressed confidence in the victory of the INDIA Janbandhan coalition. He reaffirmed the importance of upholding democratic principles and resisting pressure, stating that officials are being closely observed.

Jairam Ramesh the Congress general secretary of communications via his official X handle claimed, “The outgoing Home Minister has been calling up DMs/Collectors. So far he has spoken to 150 of them. This is blatant and brazen intimidation, showing how desperate the BJP is. Let it be very clear: the will of the people shall prevail, and on June 4th, Mr. Modi, Mr. Shah, and the BJP will exit, and the INDIA Janbandhan will be victorious. Officers should not get under any pressure and must uphold the Constitution. They are under watch.”

In this backdrop today (3 June 2024) during the press briefing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar has strongly responded to allegations made by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claiming Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s alleged calls to 150 district magistrates after the conclusion of Lok Sabha elections voting.

Kumar emphasized the importance of not spreading rumors and casting doubt on everyone, questioning whether it was feasible for someone to influence all district magistrates. He asserted that if such influence had occurred, the responsible party would face consequences. CEC Rajiv Kumar questioned, “Can someone influence them (DMs/ROs) all? Tell us who did this. We will punish the person who did it…It is not right that you spread a rumour and doubt everyone.”

Additionally, Kumar acknowledged the concerns raised by multi-party delegations ahead of the vote counting, assuring that their demands, including CCTV camera monitoring of control unit movements, would be addressed. Kumar said, “All issues raised by multi-party delegations have been addressed. They demanded that there should be CCTV camera monitoring of the movements of the control units. That will be done,”

(With inputs from Hindustan Times)

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