Democracy Under Scrutiny: Allegations of Electoral Malpractice Surface in India’s Lok Sabha Elections, Phase 4

As India’s Lok Sabha elections enter their fourth phase, a wave of controversy and concern has swept across the nation. Reports of electoral malpractice, ranging from voter suppression to allegations of EVM hacking, have cast a shadow over the democratic process. Videos circulating on social media platforms have brought these issues to the forefront, raising serious questions about the integrity of the electoral system.

In Hyderabad, the BJP’s candidate, Smt Madhavi Latha, found herself embroiled in controversy after a video emerged showing her checking voter IDs at a polling booth. The video depicts Latha asking a Muslim women to remove their burqas for identity verification, sparking outrage and accusations of discrimination.

Meanwhile, reports of erroneous voting counts have emerged from Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, with voters alleging that their votes for candidates other than the BJP are being redirected. Disturbingly, videos recorded within polling booths suggest widespread EVM hacking, leading to doubts about the fairness of the electoral process.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has faced criticism for its perceived inaction in response to these allegations. Despite concerns raised during previous phases of the election, little tangible action has been taken to address the issues at hand. Moreover, discrepancies in voter turnout percentages, particularly in constituencies dominated by the BJP, have fueled suspicions of manipulation.

In Maharashtra’s Baramati constituency, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule raised alarm over the security of EVMs stored in a warehouse post-voting. Sule’s claims of CCTV cameras being switched off for 45 minutes and the unavailability of technicians have added fuel to the fire of mistrust surrounding the electoral process.

The accumulation of these incidents has led to a profound sense of disillusionment among the electorate. Many are questioning the fundamental principles of democracy in India, lamenting the apparent erosion of trust in the electoral system. The sentiment that “India as democracy is lost” echoes loudly, as citizens grapple with the disheartening reality of electoral malpractice.

The current state of affairs begs the question: what is the purpose of holding elections if the integrity of the process cannot be guaranteed? Calls for the Election Commission to take decisive action and restore faith in democracy have intensified. However, the lack of transparency and accountability from electoral authorities has only served to deepen the prevailing sense of cynicism.

As the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections unfold, India finds itself at a crossroads. The nation’s democratic principles hang in the balance, with the outcome of the electoral process uncertain. Without swift and decisive action to address the grievances of the electorate, the very foundation of Indian democracy risks being compromised.