India bloc leaders meeting EC on voter turnout, other concerns

Opposition leaders from the INDIA bloc are set to meet the Election Commission regarding several concerns in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Initially scheduled for Thursday, the meeting has been rescheduled for Friday.

One key demand is the prompt release of absolute voter turnout figures after each phase of the elections. They are particularly concerned about the BJP's alleged use of religious symbols in its campaign.

Parties within the INDIA bloc, such as Trinamool Congress, Congress, and Communist Party of India (Marxist), have separately written to the poll panel expressing worries over delays in releasing voter turnout data for the initial two phases.

The Election Commission maintains booth-wise data on actual votes cast, which is available to candidates soon after voting concludes. They stress the importance of the timely release of voter turnout figures after each phase, meeting statutory requirements.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has urged opposition leaders to collectively voice concerns over alleged discrepancies in voting data released by the EC.

Official turnout figures for the first two phases were released on April 30th, indicating turnouts of 66.14% and 66.71%, respectively. Initial data for the third phase held on Tuesday showed a turnout of 65.55%.

The EC also provided the total number of electors in each constituency along with voting percentage figures. However, opposition parties seek more detailed information on voter participation.

Opposition parties have raised concerns with the EC over speeches made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders during campaigns, alleging violations of the Model Code of Conduct. Notices were issued to BJP and Congress presidents regarding these alleged violations.