Congress demands better poll management, voter verification

NEW DELHI: Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) chief Devender Yadav, along with senior party functionaries, met chief electoral officer R Alice Vaz at her office in Kashmere Gate on Friday. The delegation raised concerns over voter list accuracy, urging that no additions or deletions be made without proper verification.

The meeting followed a day after AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal approached the Election Commission, alleging "irregularities in the addition and deletion of voters" in the list of New Delhi assembly constituency.

During the meeting, Congress leaders requested improved management at polling booths in constituencies with higher voter turnouts to prevent voter harassment. "We raised concerns about the smooth conduct of the elections and appealed for clear instructions to the election machinery to manage high turnout constituencies effectively. This would help reduce long queues and late-night voting," Yadav said. He also emphasised that no changes should be made to the voter list without thorough verification.

The delegation expressed concerns about the lack of guidelines for police regarding the setting up of tables, party flags, symbols, and other materials outside polling stations. "In past elections, Congress workers were harassed by police citing the Model Code of Conduct, which undermines transparent electoral practices and the spirit of democracy," Yadav stated.

Congress also requested that the chief election commissioner issue written directives to police to maintain discipline and ensure impartiality at polling stations. "The CEC assured us that all efforts would be made to ensure free and fair elections."