The Election Commission of India has denied allegations of vote theft concerning the BJP’s first Lok Sabha victory in Thrissur. It has asked those making the claims to submit a formal written declaration under oath to substantiate their allegations.
CPM general secretary M. A. Baby alleged that around 30,000 names were artificially added to Thrissur’s voter list using fake addresses, potentially facilitating duplicate voting. He also criticized the EC for lowering the residency requirement—from six months to merely two days—during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and accused the EC of bypassing proper consultation with political parties .
Revenue Minister K. Rajan echoed these concerns, noting that individuals were added to the voter rolls with minimal documentation, like rental receipts, despite existing complaints to the EC that were not addressed
What Are the Allegations?
- M. A. Baby (CPM general secretary) claimed that around 30,000 names were “artificially” added to the Thrissur voter list using false addresses, potentially leading to duplicate voting. He criticized the EC for easing residency norms—allowing inclusion based on just two days of local stay, down from six months—during the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He also said the process lacked consultation with political parties.
- Revenue Minister K. Rajan supported these concerns, stating that many individuals were added to the voter list with minimal proof, such as rental receipts, despite prior complaints to the EC.
Political Reactions
- BJP State General Secretary M. T. Ramesh defended the party, saying all additions to the voter list were done legally, with proper documentation, and in accordance with EC rules. He argued that the opposition was merely unable to accept Gopi’s significant electoral win.
- Meanwhile, Congress and CPI leaders have supported Rahul Gandhi’s broader “vote chori” allegations, pressing for transparency regarding voter data and demanding accountability from the EC.
Summary
The “vote chori” allegations in Thrissur have sparked a tense political standoff. The EC is demanding legally backed declarations, while opposition leaders are raising concerns about electoral integrity. BJP maintains its actions were above board, framing the allegations as sour grapes. At the national level, the “vote chori” debate is shaping into a broader challenge to the credibility of voter list management and electoral processes.
