The Congress has issued a strong response to the Election Commission of India (ECI) over alleged “irregularities” in the recent Haryana Assembly elections, suggesting potential legal action if the ECI’s communications continue to be “condescending.” In a letter submitted on Friday, Congress leaders accused the ECI of using “ad-hominem attacks” and claimed that the poll body’s responses have unfairly targeted the party and its leaders.
The dispute began after the ECI dismissed Congress’s complaints as “baseless” and “sensational,” asserting that the electoral process in Haryana was free of flaws. Congress leaders, including KC Venugopal, Ashok Gehlot, and Ajay Maken, argued that their concerns were communicated respectfully, but claimed the ECI’s replies lacked neutrality.
“If the ECI’s goal is to strip itself of neutrality, it is doing a remarkable job at creating that impression,” read the Congress’s letter. It warned that if the ECI continues this approach, the party may seek legal means to expunge any remarks it deems inappropriate. Congress also referenced the 2021 Madras High Court’s rebuke of the ECI during the pandemic, as an example of judicial criticism the poll body has faced.
The ongoing tension underscores Congress’s dissatisfaction with the ECI’s handling of the Haryana election and raises questions about the ECI’s perceived impartiality as it continues to defend the election process.
