New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has called for a return to ballot voting, putting Electronic Voting Machines and electoral roll revisions at the centre of the INDIA bloc’s latest meeting on election-related concerns.
Addressing the meeting, Kharge outlined a series of demands covering voter registration, deletion of names from electoral rolls and the functioning of the Election Commission. Among the key demands were the use of electoral rolls prepared before the Special Intensive Revision, an effective appeal mechanism before a voter is removed, safeguards against exclusions caused by administrative errors and simpler registration procedures for first time voters.
Kharge also argued that voting should be conducted through ballot papers rather than EVMs, saying the move would help restore confidence in the electoral system. His remarks came amid renewed political debate over the Election Commission’s handling of the SIR exercise and reported differences among election commissioners.
A recent report has highlighted 14 instances over a 10 month period in which Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi reportedly raised objections to decisions and orders connected with the SIR process under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The issues reportedly included changes to voter registration procedures, management of the ECINet electoral database and decisions concerning voter deletions.
Kharge claimed that a large number of names had been excluded from electoral rolls and argued that authorities should ensure that eligible voters are not removed without adequate safeguards and an opportunity to appeal.
He also raised concerns about the 2023 law governing the appointment and service conditions of election commissioners, particularly changes to the selection panel and legal protections available to commissioners.
The INDIA bloc’s demands come as scrutiny of the Election Commission continues. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition challenging aspects of the SIR process and the functioning of the poll panel. At the same time, the Election Commission continues to use EVMs with VVPAT systems in elections.
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