NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Monday refused to grant Indian National Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh more time to substantiate claims that Home Minister Amit Shah tried to influence 150 district magistrates and tax collectors ahead of the June 4 vote counting for India’s Lok Sabha elections.
Asked by the Election Commission to submit “factual” details by Sunday evening, Ramesh sought a week’s time for his reply, but the Election Commission said it must be submitted by 7 pm on Monday.
“The Commission categorically rejects your request for an extension of time and directs you to submit your response along with the factual circumstances and basis of your allegations by 7pm today, June 3, failing which you will be deemed to have nothing substantial to say in the matter and the Commission will take appropriate action,” it said.
The Election Commission said his allegations that there were attempts to influence district governors of around 150 constituencies, who are also election commissioners and district election officers, have “serious implications and direct impact” on the sanctity of the vote-counting process scheduled for Tuesday. No district governor has reported “such undue influence” as he has alleged, the commission said.
Ramesh said on Saturday that the “outgoing” home minister had been calling on district governors and collectors, who will act as election officials and lead the vote counting process, and had “spoke to 150 people” so far.
“Let me be clear: the will of the people will prevail. On June 4, Modi, Shah and the BJP will go and India’s ‘Janbandhan’ will triumph. The officials must not succumb to any pressure and uphold the Constitution. They are being watched,” Ramesh posted on ‘X’.
Published June 3, 2024 14:02 IST
