ECI denies extra time to Jairam Ramesh to back allegations against Amit Shah

New Delhi [India], June 3 : The Election Commission of India on Monday denied the extension of time requested by Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh after the poll body sought an explanation over his allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The ECI asked the Congress leader to file his response with a 'factual matrix' by 7 pm on Monday as it warned that failure to do the same will invite 'appropriate action.'
"I am directed to refer to your letter dated June 3, 2024, in response to the Commission's letter of even number dated June 2, 2024, whereby you have sought an extension of one week to file a detailed reply," ECI said in a letter addressed to Jairam Ramesh on Monday.
"The Commission hereby outrightly rejects your request for a time extension and directs you to file your response along with the factual matrix/basis of your allegation by 19.00 hours today, that is, June 3, 2024, failing which it would be presumed that you have nothing substantive to say in the matter and the Commission would proceed ahead to take appropriate action," the ECI said.
The Commission stated that no DM reported any 'undue influence' by the Home Minister as alleged by the Congress leader and said that the allegations have 'serious connotation'.
"Your allegation that attempts have been made to influence the District Magistrates of around 150 parliamentary constituencies, who are also the ROs/DEOs, has serious connotation and direct bearing on the sanctity of the counting process, scheduled for tomorrow. As mentioned in the Commission's letter dated June 2, 2024, no DM has reported any such undue influence as alleged by you," the letter mentioned.
Earlier on June 2, the ECI sought factual information and details from Jairam Ramesh for his public statement through a post on his social media handle alleging that calls had been made by Amit Shah to 150 District Magistrates just days before the scheduled counting of votes (June 4).
The poll body has sought a response from Jairam Ramesh by June 2, 2024 evening for further necessary action.
In a letter to Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh, the Election Commission mentioned that "the process of counting votes is a sacred duty cast upon every RO, and such public statements by a senior, responsible, and experienced leader tend to put an element of doubt and thus, deserve to be addressed in the larger public interest."
On Saturday, Jairam Ramesh had alleged that "outgoing Home Minister has been calling up DMs/Collectors". He called it "BJP desperation" and said officials should not get under the pressure by such intimidation.
"So far, he has spoken to 150 of them. This is blatant and brazen intimidation, showing how desperate the BJP is. Let it be very clear: the will of the people shall prevail, and on June 4th, Mr. Modi, Mr. Shah, and the BJP will exit, and the INDIA Janbandhan will be victorious. Officers should not get under any pressure and must uphold the Constitution. They are under watch," he said.