Meghalaya Congress holds candlelight vigil to protest alleged electoral malpractices

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 15, 2025

The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee on Thursday organized a candlelight vigil to protest against alleged electoral malpractices and subversion of the democratic process. 

The event was part of the Congress’ ongoing #VoteChori campaign, aimed at exposing and challenging electoral malpractice that undermines the principle of one person, one vote.

Speaking during the protest, Congress mahila president Joplin Scott Shylla said serious concerns have emerged regarding the impartiality of the ECI, particularly in relation to allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

She said that reports and ground-level accounts suggest that the BJP has manipulated voting processes, intimidated voters, and exploited loopholes in the electoral system.

Shylla added that the handling of electronic voting machines (EVMs) has raised suspicions, with allegations of questionable handling and suspicious transportation without proper security.

“The ECI’s role is not just as an observer but as the constitutional guardian of democracy,”she said while demanding that the ECI must act swiftly and decisively against electoral malpractices to maintain public trust and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

Further, Shylla stated that the allegations of selective action and soft treatment towards the ruling party have eroded public trust in the ECI.

“If the ECI remains silent or biased, it can lead to manipulated mandates and compromise the neutrality of the electoral process, ultimately undermining democracy,” she added.

The candlelight vigil is a call for action to safeguard free and fair elections and restore public trust in democratic institutions.

The protesters demand transparency and accountability from the ECI to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.