New Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar addressed the media on Tuesday to announce the schedule for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections, while also taking the opportunity to dismiss recent allegations from opposition parties regarding the manipulation of the electoral process.
Amid growing concerns raised by opposition factions about potential EVM tampering and other electoral irregularities, CEC Rajiv Kumar responded with confidence and in a poetic tone, stressing the transparency of the election process. He assured the public that any doubts regarding the integrity of the elections would be addressed openly.
“When it comes to allegations, every question holds importance, and answers must be provided,” Kumar said. “Sab sawaal ahmiyat rakhte hain, jawab toh banta hai. Aadatan kalam band jawaab dete rahe, aaj rubaroo toh banta hain. Kya pata kal hon ya na hon, aaj jawab banta hai,” he continued, offering a poetic explanation, which roughly translates to: “Every question holds importance, they deserve to be answered. Habitually, we give written answers, but today we will give them in-person. Who knows what will happen tomorrow, answers must be given today.”
Responding directly to the allegations of wrongful additions or deletions in the electoral rolls, Kumar emphasized that the electoral process is built on transparency and participation. “Electoral rolls are a product of transparency and participation. Political parties are involved at every stage of the preparation of voter lists. Full disclosure and opportunities to object are provided. In deletions or additions, due process is followed rigorously,” he stated.
Kumar also made a veiled reference to the opposition’s criticisms, saying, “Aarop aur iljamat ka daur chale koi gila nahi, jhuth ke gubbaron ko bulandi mile, koi shikwa nahi. Har parinaam mein praman dete hain, par wo bina saboot shak ki nayi duniya raunak karte hain. Aur shak ka ilaaj to hakim Luqman ke paas bhi nahi hain,” which roughly translates to: “Let the cycle of allegations and accusations continue, we bear no grudge. If falsehoods are elevated, we do not mind. We provide evidence for every outcome, but some create a world of doubt without proof. And even the wisest cannot cure doubt.”
