# Voter List Revision Sparks Dispute as Mallikarjun Kharge Demands Paper Ballots and Chief Election Commissioner Resignation

> Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has raised questions over voter roll revisions and software transparency, demanding paper ballot voting and the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.

**Type:** article · **Category:** India · **Published:** 2026-10-26 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/national/matadata-suchi-punarikshana-aura-sophtaveyara-para-uthe-savala-mallikarjun-kharge-ne-matapatra-se-chunava-karane-para-diya-jora-51883 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Mallikarjun Kharge, Gyanesh Kumar, Election Commission, Voter List, EVM, Paper Ballot, INDIA Bloc, Uttar Pradesh Politics

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.

## What this means for you
Scrutiny surrounding voter registration and list verification directly touches upon the voting rights of everyday citizens.

- **Across India:** Registered voters across all states should actively verify their registration status on official Election Commission portals well ahead of upcoming polls. Detecting any accidental exclusion or clerical error early allows sufficient time to file corrective applications.
- **In Uttar Pradesh:** With active verification drives underway across the state for Form-6, Form-7, and Form-8 filings, local residents should double-check their application records. Eligible citizens in districts like Pilibhit can contact their local electoral officers to ensure their entries are intact.
- **Electoral Discourse:** Heightened political opposition regarding paper ballots versus electronic voting will keep poll oversight at the center of public attention. Citizens can expect increased scrutiny and vigilance from party representatives during future revision drives.
- **Civic Awareness:** The controversy highlights the critical importance of understanding voter inclusion procedures and timeline deadlines. Following local revision notices ensures eligible voters do not face last-minute hurdles at voting booths.

## Why this happened
The sharp criticism voiced by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stems from alleged administrative opacity and data discrepancies identified during voter roll revision exercises.

- **Denial of Software Disclosure:** The dispute gained momentum after the Election Commission withheld technical details of the software used in the Special Intensive Revision, citing trade secret exemptions under the RTI Act. This lack of disclosure prompted sharp questions from opposition leaders regarding digital accountability.
- **Documented Discrepancies in UP:** Friction increased after reports that 16.18 lakh Form-6 registration records in Uttar Pradesh remained undisclosed, alongside 10,470 flawed entries flagged in Pilibhit. These specific issues prompted administrative directives requiring a comprehensive review of Form-6, Form-7, and Form-8 submissions across the state.
- **Discontent Over Commission Governance:** Opposition parties remain strongly critical of the 2023 legal framework regulating the appointments and protections of election commissioners. They argue the structure compromises institutional autonomy, prompting renewed calls for executive accountability and resignations.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What key allegations did Mallikarjun Kharge level against the Election Commission?
He alleged that the central government is shielding the Chief Election Commissioner and that the poll body withheld software details under RTI by citing trade secrets.

### 2. What specific data points were cited regarding Uttar Pradesh?
Kharge stated that details of 16.18 lakh Form-6 applications were kept undisclosed and that 10,470 voter entries in Pilibhit showed discrepancies.

### 3. What are the core demands put forward by the INDIA opposition bloc?
The bloc demands Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, repeal of the 2023 appointment law, halting the revision drive, and adopting paper ballots.

### 4. When and where is the opposition alliance planning its demonstration?
The INDIA bloc has scheduled its public rally for November 1 at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi.

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