INDIA bloc meet: Kharge seeks SIR rollback, return to ballot papers, CEC’s removal

In his opening remarks at the Opposition’s INDIA bloc meeting on Wednesday (September 30), Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that future elections be conducted on the basis of the pre-Special Intensive Revision (SIR) electoral rolls, a return to ballot paper voting instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Election Commission (EC).

Kharge did not mention seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) fiasco in his list of demands, but said separately that Kumar “should be removed from his position”. “If he has even an iota of Constitutional or moral shame left in him, he will resign himself and turn approver against the powers who are interfering in our electoral rolls,” he said.

Also read: Kharge demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s removal over SIR, seeks PM Modi’s resignation

However, he was silent on seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation for “pressuring” Kumar to rig the polls and voter lists and break Opposition parties, which was part of the Congress Working Committee resolution the day before. He mentioned that PM Modi and Amit Shah “are the real culprits” who “want a rubber stamp who can help them remain in power”. He also alleged that the duo “broke several parties” using the EC as “a facilitator rather than an impartial arbitrator”.

‘We must know who was deleted and why’

Kharge said the Opposition would seek complete transparency in electoral roll revisions, including constituency-wise and booth-wise details of additions, deletions and corrections. He also demanded due notice, reasons and an effective appeals process before any legitimate voter is removed from the rolls.

The Congress president said eligible voters must be protected from exclusion due to administrative lapses, documentation issues or lack of awareness. He further called for simplified voter registration procedures, especially for first-time and young voters, and an EC that enjoys confidence across the political spectrum.

Attacking the EC, Kharge alleged that the constitutional principle of “one person, one vote, one value” was under threat. He claimed that concerns raised by Opposition parties over EVMs, voter-list manipulation and changes in electoral rolls had not been adequately addressed.

Also read: EC’s SIR relief bypasses 22 lakh Bengal voters trapped in tribunal backlog

Referring to the SIR exercise, Kharge alleged that “13.3 crore voters” had been removed from electoral rolls and said no genuine citizen should be excluded from the democratic process through what he described as an opaque and arbitrary exercise. “If names are deleted, we must know who was deleted. We must also know why,” he said.

CEC totally exposed: Kharge

The Congress chief also questioned the credibility of the EC, asserting that there could be “no credible election without an independent and impartial Election Commission” as envisioned under Article 324 of the Constitution. He demanded the removal of the CEC, alleging that he stood “totally exposed” and that the office had lost public confidence.

Kharge also criticised the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, contending that the law weakened the independence of the poll body by altering the composition of the selection panel for Election Commissioners.

Also read: SIR explained: From voter deletions to Form 6, what has changed?

Citing Supreme Court observations on the need for both actual and perceived independence of the EC, he argued that the institution must command public trust through transparency and accountability.

Return to ballots: Kharge

On electoral reforms, Kharge reiterated the Opposition’s demand for a return to ballot paper voting, alleging that EVMs had eroded public confidence in the election process. “We must go back to ballot votes to restore faith and confidence in India’s election system,” he said.

Addressing young voters, Kharge alleged that changes in procedures for enrolling first-time voters had discouraged youth participation in elections. He urged the removal of any procedural barriers and said young Indians should be encouraged to exercise their franchise.

Calling on INDIA bloc partners to act collectively, Kharge said the alliance must unite to defend what he described as the fundamental democratic rights of citizens and ensure that “the people of India remain the final and unquestioned authority in our democracy”.

Series of agitations announced

Following the meeting, the INDIA bloc announced joint protests against the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

From October 2 to 8, opposition parties will hold “Save Democracy” marches across districts and protest outside district magistrate offices. On October 6, Opposition MPs from both Houses will march to Nirvachan Sadan. Leaders will also seek an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu to submit their demands. The bloc plans five joint rallies in October and November over SIR and alleged “vote chori”, followed by a larger rally in Delhi.

‘Won’t take it lying down’: Rahul

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi said opposition parties believed the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Gyanesh Kumar had attacked India’s democratic system.

“It is the opinion of all parties that BJP, Modi, Shah and Gyanesh Kumar have attacked India's democratic system. We will not take it lying down. We will ensure that those who have destroyed Indian democracy are punished,” said Rahul.

“There was also a feeling that the Opposition has been quite successful in putting across to the people that elections are being stolen, Modi-Shah have destroyed democracy and there is a new sense of resistance in the country. We will make serious changes in the country over the next few months,” he added.

Mamata slams Gyanesh Kumar

TMC chief Mamata Banerjee said the INDIA bloc remained united against the Election Commission. She alleged that the “vote chori” allegations raised by Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav in Bihar also applied to Bengal.

“INDIA bloc is united. The EC row is a scandalous matter. The vote chori issue that Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav raised in Bihar is true. Same thing happened in Bengal,” said Mamata. Vanish Kumar (Gyanesh Kumar) is a chor, he is a daaku. He must resign immediately,” she added.