In a dramatic turn of events following a disappointing performance in the Bihar assembly polls, senior Congress leaders have launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India, labeling the entire electoral process as questionable and biased.
Leaders Decry 'Unbelievable' Results
Top Congress figures, including KC Venugopal and Ajay Maken, met with party president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi to address the party's poor showing. Speaking to reporters outside Kharge's residence, they expressed shock and disbelief at the outcome. KC Venugopal stated that the results were unbelievable not just for the Congress, but for all its alliance partners in the Mahagathbandhan.
The leaders announced a detailed plan to investigate the polls. We are collecting data and conducting a thorough analysis, and within one to two weeks, we will provide concrete proof, Venugopal asserted, directly accusing the Election Commission of being totally one-sided.
Examining the Numbers and 'Amiss' Strike Rate
The Congress party's performance was a significant setback. Despite contesting on 61 seats, the party failed to cross the double-digit mark. This is a stark contrast to the 2020 Bihar elections, where it had secured 19 out of 70 seats it contested.
Ajay Maken raised specific concerns about the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) performance, calling it statistically anomalous. There was never a strike rate like this. Even Congress didn't have a strike rate like this in 1984, as is the case with the BJP in these elections, Maken claimed, adding, Something is amiss. He emphasized that the question mark over the election process existed from the very beginning, leading to such unexpected results.
A Coordinated Response and Worker Feedback
The Congress leadership revealed that they have been in touch with their alliance partners, all of whom share the view that the results are unexpected and warrant a thorough examination. The party is acting on feedback from its ground workers across Bihar, who have reported discrepancies that need investigation.
Maken outlined the course of action, stating that party workers are collecting crucial data, including Form 17C and voter lists, to build a fact-based case. This sentiment was echoed by former party chief Rahul Gandhi, who had earlier claimed that the Bihar Assembly election was unfair from the beginning and vowed that the Congress would continue to fight for the protection of the Constitution and democracy.
