EC criticises Congress for rejecting Haryana election results, calls remarks undemocratic

Chandigarh: The Election Commission of India (EC) on Wednesday strongly condemned statements made by senior Congress leaders about the recent Haryana election results. In a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, the EC described the remarks as "unheard in the rich democratic heritage" of the country and as stepping outside the boundaries of free speech.

Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera had earlier referred to the Haryana election outcome as "unacceptable." The EC expressed concern that such comments reflect "an undemocratic rejection of the will of the people," which was expressed through the established electoral process.

The EC also noted that both Mr. Kharge and Rahul Gandhi had characterised the Haryana results as "unexpected" and indicated that the party intended to review the outcome and submit complaints to the Commission.

Additionally, the EC confirmed it received a request for a meeting with a 12-member Congress delegation, which includes those who made the controversial "unacceptable" comments about the results.

The Commission, acknowledging Mr. Kharge's statement as the formal position of the Congress party, agreed to meet the delegation at 6 PM on Wednesday.

"Proceeding on a fair assumption that the statement of the party president is the formal party position on the electoral outcome, the ECI has agreed to meet the delegation today at 6 PM ...," the letter to Mr Kharge said.