New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has raised serious concerns about the transparency of the upcoming assembly elections, alleging misconduct by the Election Commission (EC). On February 7, 2025, Kejriwal claimed the EC had refused to disclose booth-wise voting data, casting doubt on the integrity of the electoral process just days before the counting of votes.
The allegations stem from the EC's alleged failure to upload Form 17C, which includes the total votes cast at each polling station. According to Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had followed up multiple times for this information, yet the EC still denied access, leading to his party's decision to create their website to publish this data. “This form contains all details of votes polled at each booth,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of transparency for voter trust.
To reinforce his stance, Kejriwal took to social media platform X, stating, “The Aam Aadmi Party has made a website, where we have uploaded all the Form 17C of every assembly.” His insinuations suggest the EC's actions could undermine the electorate's confidence, as he insisted, “This is something the Election Commission should have done.”
Responding to these claims, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Delhi firmly rejected Kejriwal’s allegations. The CEO’s office issued a statement clarifying their compliance with the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. They asserted, “All the Presiding Officers had furnished the account of votes recorded in Form 17C to every Polling Agent present at the polling station on the day of poll.”
The timeline of these accusations marks significant urgency as the counting of Delhi Assembly votes approaches. The Delhi CEO emphasized adherence to Rule 49S of the Conduct of Election Rules, stating, “The process was carried out diligently at every polling station.” Specifically, the rule mandates providing polling agents with copies of the voting records to safeguard transparency.
Delving deeply, Rule 49S states, “The presiding officer must prepare an account of votes recorded and enclose it with specified markings.” The protocol allows polling agents to receive precise copies of Form 17C to substantiate the figures related to each assembly constituency.
Despite the CEO’s claims, Kejriwal remained steadfast, challenging the commission's role. “Ensuring transparency should have been the EC’s responsibility,” he noted. His demands highlighted widespread concerns among voters about the clarity of the electoral process, particularly as information plays such a pivotal role in securing voter trust.
While Kejriwal's website aims to inform voters quickly, this digital initiative raises questions about the official channels of communication between the EC and the electorate. The notion of the EC withholding important data poses serious questions about voter engagement and the integrity of the electoral process itself.
With local parties rallying their bases and encouraging participation, the political atmosphere remains charged. Analysts observe how the AAP's push for transparency could influence voter sentiment, especially as critics argue about the EC's commitment to providing equitable access to electoral information.
Meanwhile, reports indicate the dominant Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, maintaining leads across several assembly seats. This could mean the stakes are high not just for AAP but for the prevailing political dynamics within Delhi.
The dispute over Form 17C is not just about data; it encapsulates broader issues within our democracy: transparency, accountability, and the trust voters place in their electoral institutions. With the elections slated for February 2025, public scrutiny has intensified, emphasizing the need for clear communication and reliable data. Voters have spoken about their expectations for clarity from the EC, and how this current narrative evolves could significantly affect the overall electoral climate.
Looking forward, both AAP and the EC face challenges. AAP must work to solidify its position among voters concerned about transparency, whilst the Election Commission must focus on rebuilding trust and providing verifiable data throughout the electoral process. The careful handling of these accusations could preview how electoral politics evolve as both sides ready for the results of the 2025 elections.
After the counting of votes, it will be clear whether this situation enhances or diminishes voter trust, and how political narratives transform based on the results as they begin to settle. The forthcoming days leading to the election outcomes will be pivotal not just for the candidates, but for every voter involved.