Karti Chidambaram Criticizes Election Commission Amid Allegations of Vote Manipulation

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram criticized the Election Commission for its recent conduct amid vote theft allegations. He compared the body unfavorably to its past under TN Seshan. The Election Commission defended itself, noting the Karnataka government's reliance on electoral rolls for a caste census, despite Congress's claims of voter list discrepancies.

Karti Chidambaram, a Congress Lok Sabha MP, has criticized the Election Commission, expressing disappointment over its conduct amid allegations of 'vote theft'. He drew a contrast with the era when the commission was headed by the esteemed TN Seshan, suggesting that the body's standards have significantly declined since then.

Chidambaram lamented that the Election Commission, which should ensure free and fair elections, is behaving 'childishly'. He questioned its approach and even warned against potential defamation actions against the Leader of the Opposition, highlighting the body's perceived pettiness in recent times.

Meanwhile, sources within the Election Commission countered claims by Rahul Gandhi regarding voter manipulation. They highlighted the Congress-led Karnataka government's reliance on electoral rolls for a caste census, suggesting an inconsistency in Congress's stance. Gandhi had alleged vote manipulation in the Mahadevapura segment to favor the BJP, accusing the Commission of colluding to secure Prime Minister Modi's third term.

(With inputs from agencies.)