The Election Commission of India (ECI) responded to a memorandum by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh regarding an alleged delay in updating the results of the Haryana Legislative Assembly elections on its official website.
Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in charge of Communications, had earlier in the day alleged that there is a slowing down in uploading up-to-date trends in the Haryana Assembly election’s vote counting on the Election Commission website.
In its official reply, the ECI dismissed these concerns, stating that the counting of votes is being conducted as per Rule 60 of the Conduct of Election Rules.
“With reference to your today’s Memorandum regarding the slowdown in updating the results of Haryana on the ECI Website, it is reiterated that the entire counting process in Haryana and J-K is unfolding in the presence of candidates, observers, and micro-observers as per the Statutory scheme. There is nothing on record to substantiate your ill-founded allegation of the slowdown in updating of results. Your Memorandum also does not bring out any contrary facts as to the delay at any of the constituencies in Haryana or J&K,” said ECI in its response to Ramesh’s memorandum.
The commission also mentioned that similar concerns were raised by the Indian National Congress (INC) during the 2024 General Elections, which were dismissed. It emphasised that the counting process was being carried out smoothly and transparently. The ECI further clarified that Ramesh’s memorandum did not provide any factual evidence to substantiate claims of delays at any specific constituency.
The response also noted that updates were happening regularly. “Approximately 25 rounds across all the constituencies are being updated every five minutes, which testifies to the dissemination of the counting process in a speedy manner,” the commission added.
The ECI rejected the allegations, calling them “irresponsible, unfounded, and uncorroborated malafide narratives.” It reiterated that the counting process was being carried out in line with the statutory and regulatory framework, and no delays were occurring as alleged.
Earlier in the day, Ramesh had asked whether the BJP was trying to build pressure on the administration by sharing “outdated and misleading” trends.
As per the latest trends from the Election Commission, BJP is leading or has won 49 seats in Haryana (won 27, leading 22) and Congress is leading or has won 36 seats (won 25, leading 11). Indian National Lok Dal is leading on two seats and Independents have won or are leading 3 seats. Haryana assembly has 90 seats.
(With inputs from ANI)
