The Congress submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission on Friday highlighting “serious and grave inconsistencies” in polling and counting in Maharashtra, marked by “arbitrary” voter deletions and additions and a late jump in the turnout.

In support of its claims, the party has cited interviews given by former chief election commissioner S.Y. Quraishi and economist Parakala Prabhakar where they mention the substantial increase in the reported turnout after the close of polling.

The commission is yet to respond to the Congress’s allegations of “electoral fraud” although Maharashtra’s chief electoral officer (CEO) recently provided clarifications on these issues.

The memo from Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole, state in-charge Ramesh Chennithala, and general secretary Mukul Wasnik reiterates complaints of “arbitrary deletion of voters and subsequent addition of over 10,000 voters in each constituency” and an “inexplicable increase in voting percentages from 5:00 pm”.

“With this exercise of unchecked and arbitrary deletion and consequent insertion of voters, the state of Maharashtra witnessed an unprecedented increase of an estimated 47 lakh voters being added to the electoral rolls from between July 2024 (and) November 2024,” the memo says.

“It is significant to note that out of the 50 Assembly constituencies where there was an average increase of 50,000 voters, the ruling regime and its allies secured victory from 47 of these constituencies.

“These data points on a prima facie reading, demonstrates (sic) that; (a) there has been a significant and inexplicable increase in the number of registered voters across the state of Maharashtra; and (b) there has been an exercise of deletion and addition of names in voters lists; all of which have conveniently worked to the advantage of the incumbent government.”

Besides the Opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi’s complaint to the commission last month, the Congress also attached a copy of an FIR, lodged by a government official in Tuljapur constituency against the alleged creation of fake Aadhaar cards.

“…There can be no doubt that the existing safeguards of this commission have not been able to curb such an electoral fraud from being committed,” the memo adds.

In response to the Opposition complaint of fraudulent registrations last month, the Maharashtra CEO had said in a statement: “There was allegation of registration of electors around 10,000 per Assembly constituency after Lok Sabha election(s) by some political parties.

“The procedure of updating of electoral roll is done strictly as per prescribed rules. The factual position related to the issues is as follows: At the time of Lok Sabha elections, total electors in state were 9,29,43890. There is net increase of 36,31,279 electors till 20th Oct and electors on 20th Oct are 9,65,05958.”

The CEO had added: “There is provision of seven days’ notice for claims and objections. After due consideration of the objections, the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) takes the decision.”

Friday’s Congress memo further alleges: “As per the data made available by this hon’ble commission, the polling percentage across the state of Maharashtra at 5:00 PM was 58.22%. The said percentage was later reported to be 65.02% as of 11:30 PM on the same day.

“Further, there was another increase in the voting percentage, ultimately being reported as 66.05%, several hours prior to counting.

“It is submitted that as per the voter data provided by the hon’ble commission, between 5:00 pm and the close timing of polling i.e., 6:00 PM on 21.11.2024, approximately 76 Lakh votes were cast.”

On the increase in the turnout, the CEO has reaffirmed the poll panel’s stated position on similar charges made by the Congress during the Lok Sabha polls.

In a series of tweets on Thursday, the CEO said: “In the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections, Voting percentage at 5 pm was 58.22% (approximate) and the final voting percentage was 66.05%. This is normal as voting continues even after 6 pm, till the last person who stood at the queue at 6 pm votes.

“Even in 2019, the percentages were 54.43% (appox) at 5 pm and 61.10% at final. In urban and semi-urban areas, which constitute a large chunk in Maharashtra, a large number of voters come in the evening.

“It is important to note that two-hourly voter turnout information on the day of poll up to 5 pm is based on oral telephonic communication only. On the other hand, Form-17C which is given at the ‘Close of Poll’ to polling agents, matches with the final percentage and votes counted. Information in Form-17 C is matched by Candidate’s counting agents while counting.”

The Congress has sought an in-person hearing with the commission.