The voting process in the Lok Sabha elections 2024 has ended. Counting of votes will take place today. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) claimed that the party will win10 seats out of total 14 seats in the State. The party also raises serious questions on the role and impartiality of Election Commission of India (ECI).

Addressing a press meet on Monday JMM General Secretary cum Spokesperson, Supriyo Bhattacharya said that tomorrow is the test of the Election Commission in the sense that how it maintains its impartiality and credibility because only this will prove that democracy is still strong in the Country and is an example for the whole world. He has alleged that the Chief Election Commissioner has insulted the decency of the statement in the press conference held before the counting of votes. He alleged that the Election Commission had closed its ears and eyes during the entire election campaign.

Bhattacharya said that while announcing the dates of the Lok Sabha elections, the Chief Election Commissioner had said many good things. He also made a request, but later democracy was strangled. “The Election Commission locked the complaints received against the ruling party in its drawer. The thinking and action plan of a particular class and political party was implemented. However, it is a blessing that even in the scorching heat, 65-66 percent people exercised their franchise. The voting figures are also doubtful because the actual figures were released quite late. Counting is tomorrow and the final figures of the 7th phase of voting have not yet come out. Trust and credibility are of great importance in democracy. Justice is considered complete only when it is not only in words but we also see it being implemented on the ground,” he added.

JMM General Secretary said that counting is tomorrow. “This noble work should be conducted without any hindrance or in support of any particular party. This time many sectors were connected through postal ballot. Arrangements were made for voting through postal ballot for media persons, elderly, disabled and people of service sector. We want that the matching and counting of postal ballot votes should be done in a transparent manner. There is no need to save it for later. There should be no power cut during counting. Generator should be arranged from the beginning of counting. In case of power cut, EVMs will have to be restarted, which will leave a possibility of tampering. After every election, EVMs are programmed afresh, so the possibility of tampering cannot be ruled out,” he added.

Bhattacharya said that the Supreme Court has ensured that if any candidate has any doubts about the counting, he can get it resolved by paying a fee. “We request the Election Commission to ensure that all candidates are satisfied with the results before declaring the final result. If there is any doubt, then match it with the VVPAT. The Election Commission is responsible for this. He said that tomorrow is a test day for the Election Commission. We have given the Election Commission the highest priority and respect and have followed its rules, regulations and guidelines to the letter. Now it is the responsibility of the Commission to prove that democracy is strong in India and also set an example for the world,” he added.