Senior leaders of the Indian National Congress in Ludhiana staged a dramatic sit-in protest, known as a dharna, on Saturday, leveling serious accusations of irregularities during the vote counting process for the Lok Sabha elections. The demonstration, held outside the Deputy Commissioner's office, saw prominent figures including former MP Ravneet Singh Bittu and District President Sunny Bhalla demanding immediate action and a thorough investigation.
Allegations of Mismatched Data and Demands for Recount
The core of the protest revolved around alleged discrepancies between the data recorded in the Election Commission's official Form 17C and the figures displayed on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) control units. Congress leaders presented what they claimed was documented evidence of this mismatch, arguing that it cast a shadow over the integrity of the final results for the Ludhiana parliamentary constituency.
The protestors put forth a clear set of demands. Their primary request was for a complete recount of all votes cast in the constituency. They insisted that this was the only way to ensure transparency and restore public faith in the electoral process. Additionally, they called for a high-level probe into the conduct of the counting officials, suggesting possible negligence or malfeasance.
Key Figures Lead the Protest
The dharna was spearheaded by influential local Congress leaders. Ravneet Singh Bittu, the former Member of Parliament from Ludhiana, was a central figure at the protest. He was joined by Ludhiana District Congress President Sunny Bhalla and other senior party members. Their presence underscored the seriousness with which the party was treating the allegations.
The leaders argued that the alleged irregularities were not minor technical glitches but significant errors that could have altered the outcome of a closely contested election. They emphasized that their protest was not merely a political stunt but a fight for democratic principles and the rights of every voter in Ludhiana.
Official Response and Broader Implications
While the Congress leaders sat in protest, they submitted a formal memorandum outlining their grievances to the district administration. The memorandum detailed the specific instances of data mismatch and formally requested the recount. The administration is now expected to review the complaint and decide on the next course of action.
This incident in Ludhiana adds to a series of post-election controversies where opposition parties across India have raised concerns about the counting process. The focus on Form 17C, a crucial document that records votes polled at each booth, highlights a technical aspect of elections that is now under intense public and political scrutiny.
The Congress's dharna in Ludhiana signifies a determined challenge to the declared results. It brings to the forefront critical questions about electoral transparency and accountability. The party's strategy of public protest coupled with formal written complaints indicates a multi-pronged approach to seek redressal. The response from the Election Commission and local authorities will be closely watched, as it will set a precedent for handling such disputes. The event underscores the heightened political tensions following the general elections and the ongoing battle for legitimacy in the political arena.
