CPI seeks probe into ‘poll discrepancies’

VIJAYAWADA The Communist Party of India (CPI) has demanded a comprehensive probe by the Union government into alleged discrepancies between votes polled and counted in the Lok Sabha elections, as highlighted by investigative journalism organisation, The Reporters' Collective. Addressing the media at Dasari Bhavan here on Thursday, CPI national secretary K. Ramakrishna and State secretary Gujjula Eswaraiah alleged that the findings raised serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process.

Mr. Ramakrishna said the organisation had analysed data from around 530 Lok Sabha constituencies and reported discrepancies in Maharashtra, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. He demanded that the Election Commission of India's internal reports be made public and subjected to scrutiny.

Mr. Ramakrishna demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of favouring the BJP and the RSS. He questioned the addition of 50 to 60 million voters ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, despite the BJP's setback in the preceding parliamentary elections.