CEC Rajiv Kumar Demolishes Opposition’s Falsehood with Shayari

MS Shanker

In a rare blend of poetic wit and unflinching candor, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Tuesday delivered a memorable press conference while announcing the schedule for the Delhi Assembly elections. Deviating from the customary procedural tone, Kumar employed Urdu shayari to effectively dismantle opposition narratives that often surface after electoral defeats. His pointed remarks, interspersed with poetry, not only showcased his creative flair but also underscored the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) commitment to transparency and integrity.

The CEC’s shayari served as a sharp yet elegant rebuttal to allegations frequently levelled by Opposition parties, particularly claims of ballot tampering and electoral misconduct. Here are the highlights:

1. 1. First Shayari: Accountability and Dialogue
      Kumar emphasized the importance of addressing questions, asserting that the ECI is not only accountable but also willing to engage directly with critics:
      “Sab sawaal ki ehmiyat rakhte hain, Jawab toh banta hai…”
      This couplet underscored the ECI’s openness to scrutiny, countering opposition claims of evasion.
   2. Second Shayari: Faith and Patience
      In response to allegations of bias and inefficiency, Kumar reminded his audience that complaints may be inevitable, but the ECI’s resolve to listen, resolve, and persevere remains unshaken:
      “Kar na sakein ikraar toh koi baat nahi, Meri wafa ka unko aitbaar toh hai…”
      This poetic interlude artfully pointed out the cyclical nature of accusations that arise after electoral losses.
   3. Third Shayari: Evidence vs. Speculation
      Perhaps the most striking, Kumar’s third couplet directly addressed the baselessness of certain allegations, highlighting the lack of evidence behind claims of EVM tampering:
      “Aarop aur ilzamat ka daur chalein, koi gila nahin… Aur shaq ka ilaaj to Hakeem Luqman ke paas bhi nahin.”
      This poetic flourish encapsulated the ECI’s frustration with unsubstantiated doubts that persist despite rigorous scrutiny and transparency.

Beyond the poetry, Kumar laid out hard-hitting facts to back the ECI’s track record. He revealed that since the Supreme Court mandated VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) verification in 2019, over 67,000 VVPAT slips have been counted—amounting to more than 4.5 crore votes. Not a single discrepancy has been found between electronic vote counts and VVPAT slips.

Kumar also addressed minor technical glitches, clarifying that such issues are swiftly resolved. Machines flagged during counting due to mock poll data or technical errors are reviewed meticulously to ensure that outcomes remain unaffected. The robustness of these processes, he asserted, should lay to rest any doubts about the integrity of India’s electoral system.

The CEC further highlighted the ECI’s transparency, pointing out that detailed election results, including Form 20 (which records winners and losers), are shared with all candidates. This ensures that every stakeholder has access to the precise data, leaving little room for speculation or misrepresentation.

Kumar’s briefing reinforced that the Election Commission operates as a gold standard in democratic accountability. He argued that India’s electoral system, far from being flawed, stands as a model of reliability and precision.

While Kumar’s remarks were primarily aimed at defending the ECI, they also carried an implicit message for opposition parties. He subtly suggested that instead of casting aspersions on the electoral process, political parties should introspect and address their shortcomings. The tendency to cry foul after defeats, often without evidence, undermines not just the ECI but also the democratic ethos that India cherishes.

Kumar’s confident rebuttal evoked memories of former CEC T.N. Seshan, who famously transformed the ECI into a formidable and impartial institution. Like Seshan, Kumar demonstrated the courage to confront unfounded allegations and uphold the dignity of a constitutional body.

In a political landscape often marred by baseless accusations and partisan narratives, CEC Rajiv Kumar’s press conference stood out as a masterclass in accountability, transparency, and rhetorical brilliance. His use of shayari added a human touch to the otherwise technical defense of the ECI, making his points resonate far beyond the confines of the conference room.

For the opposition, his poetic admonition serves as both a mirror and a lesson: trust in the process, respect the mandate, and engage constructively rather than resorting to unwarranted criticism. For Indian democracy, it was a reaffirmation of the integrity of its electoral machinery and the resilience of its institutions.