National desk
9 October
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The Election Commission (EC) has expressed concern over statements made by senior Congress leaders regarding the Haryana election results. In a letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, the EC called these remarks unprecedented in India’s democratic history and beyond the boundaries of freedom of speech.
The comments, made by Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera, were described by the EC as an “undemocratic dismissal of the will of the people,” which was expressed according to the established legal and electoral framework. The EC has also taken note of remarks by Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, who called the results contrary to the party’s expectations.
The Congress party has indicated its intention to analyze the election results and submit a formal complaint to the EC. Additionally, a 12-member Congress delegation, including leaders who criticized the results, has sought a meeting with the Commission to discuss their concerns.
In response, the EC has agreed to meet the delegation at 6 PM today. The Commission emphasized that the party president’s statement represents the formal position of the Congress regarding the election results.
The EC’s sharp response underscores the tension between the Congress party and the electoral body, as well as the broader debate over the limits of free speech in criticizing election outcomes.