New Delhi: The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has sounded the alarm over a significant difference between votes cast and votes counted in the recent Lok Sabha elections. According to their analysis, a total of 5,54,598 votes were counted less than the votes cast in 362 parliamentary constituencies, while 35,093 votes were counted in excess in 176 parliamentary constituencies. This discrepancy has raised serious concerns about the accuracy of election results.
ADR founder Jagdeep Chhokar highlighted the issue during a press conference. However, the report did not specify how many seats might have seen different outcomes due to this disparity in votes. Chhokar also criticized the Election Commission for failing to address violations, illegalities, and irregularities during both the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections, leading to apprehensions among voters.
The report revealed discrepancies in 538 parliamentary constituencies, excluding Amreli, Attingal, Lakshadweep, Dadra Nagar Haveli, and Daman Diu. Notably, the Surat parliamentary seat remained uncontested. Overall, the total discrepancy amounts to 5,89,691 votes. During the seventeenth general election, the ‘Voter Turnout App’ accurately displayed voter numbers for the first six phases, but in the seventh phase, only percentage figures were provided, and previous data was removed by the Election Commission.
The lack of transparency and timely release of data has left citizens questioning the veracity of election results. ADR’s call for addressing these concerns is crucial to maintaining public trust in the democratic process.
