Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has reiterated three major demands of the opposition INDIA bloc amid an ongoing dispute over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The demands include the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, an immediate halt to the voter-list revision exercise and the introduction of paper ballots for elections.
The opposition alliance has raised concerns about transparency in election administration and the handling of voter registration records. Kharge has argued that the Election Commission must be accountable and that voters’ rights should be protected throughout the electoral process.
The demands form part of the INDIA bloc’s wider campaign against what opposition leaders describe as irregularities in electoral rolls. These allegations remain contested and should be distinguished from independently established findings.
Opposition Seeks Chief Election Commissioner’s Resignation
Kharge has called for Gyanesh Kumar to resign as Chief Election Commissioner, arguing that the Election Commission’s handling of electoral roll-related issues requires greater accountability.
The Congress president has also demanded the repeal of the 2023 law governing the appointment and service conditions of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners. The opposition has criticised provisions of the legislation, particularly the legal protection it provides election officials for actions taken in the discharge of their official duties.
The INDIA bloc maintains that changes to the legal framework are necessary to strengthen accountability and public confidence in election administration.
The Election Commission, meanwhile, has defended its decisions and stated that its orders follow established legal and statutory procedures.
INDIA Bloc Demands Immediate Halt to SIR
The second major demand concerns the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, a process intended to review and update voter lists.
Opposition leaders have called for the exercise to be stopped, citing concerns about the possible removal of eligible voters from electoral rolls. They have also demanded the restoration of names they believe were deleted improperly.
Kharge has questioned the transparency of certain aspects of the revision process and called for greater clarity regarding voter-registration records and the procedures used to update electoral rolls.
The Election Commission’s position is that electoral-roll revision is part of the established process for maintaining accurate voter lists. The central disagreement concerns how the exercise is conducted, the safeguards available to voters and the handling of disputed entries.
Demand for Paper Ballots Returns to Political Debate
The third demand put forward by Kharge is a return to paper ballots instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for elections.
The Congress and some of its opposition allies have raised questions about the current voting system and have called for changes to election procedures. Their demand has renewed debate over voting technology, transparency and public confidence in election results.
The demand for paper ballots represents the opposition alliance’s position. Any change to the existing voting system would require consideration of the relevant legal framework, election procedures and decisions by the competent authorities.
Electoral Transparency Remains at the Centre of the Dispute
The INDIA bloc’s demands reflect a broader disagreement between opposition parties and the Election Commission over electoral administration and voter-list revision.
Opposition leaders argue that voters must have adequate safeguards against wrongful deletion and that the process for making changes to electoral rolls should be transparent. They have also sought greater accountability from election officials.
The Election Commission has maintained that its decisions are taken under the applicable legal framework. The dispute highlights the importance of clear procedures, accessible mechanisms for correcting voter records and transparent communication with the public.
Congress Calls for Continued Public Engagement
Kharge has urged citizens to take an interest in the debate over voting rights and electoral administration. The Congress is also preparing for the INDIA bloc’s November 1 “Save Votes–Save the Nation” rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi.
The rally is intended to bring attention to the opposition’s demands concerning the Election Commission, the SIR exercise and voting procedures.
The event is expected to provide another platform for opposition leaders to present their concerns. The latest developments will depend on the responses of the Election Commission, the central government and other relevant authorities.
Conclusion
Mallikarjun Kharge’s three demands have placed the Election Commission’s leadership, voter-list revision and the use of EVMs at the centre of the INDIA bloc’s political campaign. While the opposition is seeking changes to election administration, the Election Commission maintains that it operates according to established procedures. The debate is likely to continue as political parties press their positions on transparency, accountability and voter rights.
