Congress President Kharge lists 6 key demands at INDIA Bloc meet
New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has called for major changes in the election process, including a return to ballot paper voting instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Speaking at the INDIA bloc meeting, Kharge also raised concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demanded greater accountability from the Election Commission.
Kharge demands return to ballot voting
Kharge said the INDIA bloc must make its position on EVMs clear and demanded that elections should return to ballot papers.
“On EVMs, our position should also be clear. We must go back to ballot votes to restore faith and confidence in India’s election system,” he said.
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Kharge also referred to Opposition concerns over voter-list changes and alleged irregularities in electoral rolls.
“For years, we have demanded answers on EVMs. We have raised questions about voter-list manipulation and unexplained changes in electoral rolls,” he said.
The Election Commission has maintained that EVMs are used according to established rules and procedures.
What are Kharge’s 6 demands?
Kharge placed six major demands before the INDIA bloc.
Pre-SIR voter lists: Kharge demanded that electoral rolls prepared before the SIR exercise should be used for future elections. He also called for full transparency in additions, deletions and corrections.
Notice before voter deletion: He said voters should be given proper notice before their names are removed from electoral rolls.
“Voters should receive due notice, reasons and an effective appeal mechanism before any legitimate name is removed from the electoral roll,” he said.
Protection of eligible voters: Kharge said genuine voters should not lose their voting rights because of administrative problems, lack of documents or lack of awareness.
“The burden must be on the System to ensure that no genuine voter is disenfranchised,” he said.
Ballot paper voting: He demanded that voting should be conducted through ballot papers instead of EVMs.
Easier registration for first-time voters: Kharge said the process for young and first-time voters should be simple and accessible.
“Any new procedural requirement that creates unnecessary barriers for first-time voters must therefore be immediately removed,” he said.
Election Commission accountability: Kharge demanded greater institutional accountability and said the Election Commission must have the confidence of people and political parties.
Kharge targets CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Kharge also demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He referred to reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections over several decisions.
“There can be no credible election without an Independent and impartial Election Commission as envisioned in Article 324 of the Constitution,” Kharge said.
He also called for Kumar’s resignation, saying the reported differences within the poll panel raised questions about the functioning of the Election Commission.
The Election Commission has maintained that differences and discussions within its three-member panel are part of its functioning. The BJP has also rejected the Opposition’s allegations.
Kharge raises SIR voter list issue
Kharge strongly criticised the SIR exercise and said it could affect genuine voters if proper safeguards were not followed.
“The Election Commission says that Special Intensive Revision is intended to clean and update electoral rolls. But when such an exercise can result in very large numbers of voters being excluded or required to establish their eligibility again, the burden must be on the System to ensure that no genuine voter is disenfranchised,” he said.
Kharge also alleged that 13.3 crore voters had been removed from electoral rolls. The claim is part of the wider political dispute over the revision of voter lists.
First-time voters also in focus
Kharge said young voters were an important part of the discussion.
“India has one of the world’s largest young populations. Millions of young Indians become eligible to vote every year,” he said.
He alleged that changes to Form 6 had made voter registration harder for first-time voters.
“By changing the rules in Form 6 for enrolling first-time voters, the youngsters are deliberately being discouraged from voting,” he said.
He added, “India wants your voice. India needs your vote. Your citizenship gives you that right. Let your voice be heard.”
Kharge raises 2023 election law
Kharge also criticised the law governing the appointment and service conditions of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.
He said the changes to the appointment process had raised concerns about the independence of the Election Commission.
Kharge also referred to a Supreme Court observation on the composition of the selection committee and said the Election Commission must not only be independent but must also appear to be independent.
INDIA bloc plans joint action
The INDIA bloc meeting comes a day after the Congress Working Committee raised similar concerns over the SIR exercise and demanded the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
The Opposition parties are discussing a joint programme of action and possible protests over electoral rolls, EVMs and the functioning of the Election Commission.
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