A fresh political row has erupted over the integrity of electoral rolls and the transparency of election administration. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge directly questioned the central government and the Election Commission on October 26, alleging that authorities continue to shield Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar despite repeated revelations concerning voting integrity. He also called upon the public to participate in large numbers in the upcoming rally organised by the INDIA opposition bloc at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on November 1.
Dispute Over Revision Software and Transparency
Expressing his views on the social media platform X, Mallikarjun Kharge focused attention on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He pointed out that when information regarding the specific software driving the SIR exercise was sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Election Commission declined disclosure by citing trade secrets. Kharge contended that withholding scrutiny from operational software used in electoral management raises fundamental concerns about administrative openness.
Voter Data Discrepancies Flagged in Uttar Pradesh
Turning to regional verification issues, the Congress leader highlighted specific concerns emerging from Uttar Pradesh. He asserted that data regarding 16.18 lakh Form-6 registration applications across the state had not been made publicly accessible. Additionally, he noted that 10,470 voter entries in Pilibhit exhibited substantial irregularities. Mallikarjun Kharge pointed out that following these developments, administrative authorities were compelled to order verification drives for Form-6, Form-7, and Form-8 filings across the entire state of Uttar Pradesh.
Opposition Bloc Demands and the Call for Paper Ballots
Alleging collusion between the ruling party and the poll panel, the Congress President outlined three primary demands championed by the INDIA alliance. Foremost among them is the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alongside the repeal of the 2023 legislation governing election commissioner appointments. Kharge further sought an immediate halt to the ongoing SIR process and the prompt reinstatement of citizens whose names were improperly purged from voter rosters. Advocating a return to paper ballots in place of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), he affirmed that this is not merely an effort to protect votes, but a wider popular struggle to safeguard the Constitution and democratic governance.
