ECI seeks response from Congress’ Jairam Ramesh over allegations against Amit Shah

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has sought factual information and details from Congress leader Jairam Ramesh for his public statement through a post on his social media handle alleging that calls have been made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to 150 District Magistrates just days before the scheduled counting of votes (June 4).

The poll body has sought a response from Jairam Ramesh by June 2, 2024 evening for further necessary action.

In a letter to Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh, the Election Commission mentioned that “the process of counting votes is a sacred duty cast upon every RO, and such public statements by a senior, responsible, and experienced leader tend to put an element of doubt and thus, deserve to be addressed in the larger public interest.”

“Although, no DM has reported any undue influence, EC had sought details and information from Jairam Ramesh of 150 DMs whom Amit Shah has influenced , as alleged by Mr Ramesh and which he believes to be true, and had thus made these allegations,” the letter added.

Earlier on Saturday, Jairam Ramesh had alleged that “outgoing Home Minister has been calling up DMs/Collectors”. He called it “BJP desperation” and said officials should not get under the pressure by such intimidation.

“So far, he has spoken to 150 of them. This is blatant and brazen intimidation, showing how desperate the BJP is. Let it be very clear: the will of the people shall prevail, and on June 4th, Mr. Modi, Mr. Shah, and the BJP will exit, and the INDIA Janbandhan will be victorious. Officers should not get under any pressure and must uphold the Constitution. They are under watch,” he said.

Notably, the INDIA bloc delegation will also hold a meeting today with the Election Commission at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi.

If the exit poll predictions come true about BJP returning to power on June 4 when votes are counted, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will become the only PM after Jawaharlal Nehru to win three successive terms in Lok Sabha polls. The exit polls predicted ‘Modi 3.0’ with PM Modi having led the BJP’s poll effort through rallies and roadshows in various parts of the country.