Chief Minister Pramod Sawant criticised the Congress over its allegations against the Election Commission of India (ECI). He said political parties cannot win elections by repeatedly questioning constitutional institutions. CM Sawant also cited Goa’s ballot-based Zilla Panchayat elections while challenging the Congress’ arguments on EVMs. He urged political parties to focus on public trust, development and electoral support.
CM Sawant Questions Congress’ ECI Allegations
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has criticised the Congress over its allegations against the Election Commission and the electoral process.
Addressing a press conference in Panaji, CM Sawant alleged that Congress questions EVMs and the Election Commission when it loses elections, while accepting the same electoral system in states where it wins.
He referred to Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh while making the point. CM Sawant claimed that Congress accepts EVMs when it wins elections but raises questions about their functioning after electoral defeats.
“When they are unable to win elections, they keep levelling allegations against the Election Commission and even against EVMs,” CM Sawant said.
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CM Cites Goa’s Ballot-Based Elections
Sawant also cited Goa’s Zilla Panchayat elections to challenge the argument that EVMs alone determine electoral outcomes.
Authorities conducted the Zilla Panchayat elections using ballot papers. Sawant pointed out that Congress still lost the elections despite the absence of EVMs.
He used the example to argue that political parties cannot attribute electoral setbacks solely to voting technology.
“When the EVM issue does not work, they start making allegations against constitutional institutions,” CM Sawant said.
The Chief Minister alleged that such statements could create doubts among voters about electoral institutions and the election process.
CM Sawant Defends Election Commission
CM Sawant’s remarks came amid the wider political debate over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
He said voters whose names have been deleted can apply for fresh enrolment through Form 6. The official Chief Electoral Officer, Goa portal lists Form 6 as the application for new registration of electors.
CM Sawant also defended the Election Commission as an independent constitutional body. He said the poll panel’s recent public clarification had addressed concerns raised over the electoral process.
“The Election Commission is an independent body,” CM Sawant said, while stressing that political parties should not repeatedly make allegations against constitutional institutions.
CM Calls for Focus on Public Trust
CM Sawant further argued that political parties cannot win elections simply by questioning institutions. He said parties need public trust and electoral support to secure victories.
He urged political opponents to focus on development and issues that directly affect citizens rather than repeatedly questioning electoral institutions.
The Chief Minister also referred to opposition demands for proof following the Balakot air strike and surgical strikes, alleging that Congress had previously questioned government institutions and actions.
His remarks add another layer to the ongoing political debate over EVMs, the Election Commission and electoral procedures.
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