Congress raises concerns over new counting agent rule, EC clarifies

Congress leader Ajay Maken has raised concerns about a new rule prohibiting candidates' counting agents from being present at the assistant returning officer (ARO) tables during the vote-counting process. Maken, who has contested nine Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections, expressed his discontent on social platform X, stating, "Candidates' Counting Agents at the ARO table are NOT being allowed for the first time!!! If true, this is bigger than the alleged EVM rigging! I am flagging this issue for all candidates! I hope @ECISVEEP rectifies it soon."

Maken's remarks came after the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections concluded on Saturday. According to the Election Commission, the seventh phase of polling, which spanned seven states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, saw a voter turnout of approximately 62.36 percent. In response to Maken's concerns, Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer clarified that counting agents of candidates are indeed allowed at the tables of RO/AROs.

The vote counting for the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections is scheduled for June 4. Polling across 543 constituencies occurred on April 19, 26, May 7, 13, 20, 25, and June 1. Several exit polls have predicted a significant victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with some suggesting the BJP might improve its tally from the 303 seats it won in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh dismissed the exit polls, stating on X, "The man whose exit is certain on June 4th has had these exit polls orchestrated. The INDIA Janbandhan will definitely get a minimum of 295 seats, which is a clear and decisive majority." Ramesh also suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is using psychological tactics ahead of the actual results. The Narendra Modi-led BJP is seeking a third term in power, while the opposition INDIA bloc aims to stop their momentum and take control.