Goa, Aug. 14 -- The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday criticised the use of phrases like "vote chori," calling them an attack on both voters and the integrity of poll staff. The warning comes amid opposition allegations of discrepancies in electoral rolls and a Congress campaign highlighting alleged irregularities.

In its statement, the ECI said, "If anyone has proof of a person voting twice in any election, it should be submitted to the Commission with a written affidavit. Blanket claims labelling all electors as 'chor' without evidence are unacceptable." The poll body emphasised that the principle of one person, one vote has been in place since India's first general elections in 1951-52.

The statement followed Congress le...