Congress cites voter-record concerns and the Special Intensive Revision process; the poll body’s position is also relevant
NEW DELHI Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has renewed criticism of the Narendra Modi government and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the handling of electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
Questions about information disclosure In a social-media post on October 26, Kharge questioned the Election Commission’s reported refusal to disclose information about software used in the SIR process in response to a Right to Information request, reportedly citing ‘trade secrets’. He argued that the process lacked transparency and again called for Kumar’s resignation.
Allegations involving voter records Kharge referred to claims concerning Uttar Pradesh, including 16.18 lakh Form 6 applications whose details he said had not been made public, and alleged discrepancies involving 10,470 voter records in Pilibhit. He also said investigations into Forms 6, 7 and 8 had been ordered across the state. These figures and allegations are attributed to Kharge and should not be treated as independently verified findings.
Opposition demands Kharge reiterated demands from the INDIA bloc, including Kumar’s resignation, repeal of the 2023 law providing legal protection to election commissioners, a halt to the SIR exercise and restoration of voter names the opposition says were removed unlawfully. The alliance has also called for a return to paper ballots.
The Election Commission’s position The source material says the Election Commission and government sources have rejected the opposition’s criticism, describing SIR as a lawful exercise intended to improve the accuracy of voter lists. A full assessment of the dispute requires consideration of official explanations, documentary evidence and any findings by the relevant authorities.
Next political step Congress has urged supporters to join the INDIA bloc’s ‘Dilli Chalo’ march and rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. The mobilisation places electoral-roll concerns at the centre of the opposition’s current political campaign.