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Congress Accuses Election Commission Over ECINet and SIR
The Congress party says a new Election Commission computer system called ECINet was not used according to election laws.
It says some election officers were prevented from fully using the voter-roll system.
Congress leaders also criticized the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, of voter lists.
They say many voters were removed without proper procedures.
Congress is asking for documents, explanations and accountability from the Election Commission.
It is also demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The opposition INDIA bloc plans marches and rallies about the issue.
The Election Commission says different opinions among its officials are normal.
It also says its decisions follow the law and proper procedures.
Congress accused the Election Commission of India of misleading the public about ECINet’s legal compliance.
Jairam Ramesh alleged that restricting Electoral Registration Officers’ access violated election laws and cited Goa and West Bengal.
The Election Commission announced a committee on September 26, 2026, to review ECINet’s compliance with electoral laws.
P. Chidambaram questioned the deletion of 13.3 crore voters under the Special Intensive Revision process and sought disclosure of ECI records.
The INDIA bloc announced nationwide marches, rallies and an October 6 march to the Election Commission, while the ECI defended its procedures as legally valid.
- Who
- The Indian National Congress, including Jairam Ramesh and P. Chidambaram, criticized the Election Commission of India and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- What
- Congress alleged that ECINet restrictions and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls violated election laws and constitutional safeguards.
- Where
- The dispute concerns India’s national electoral system, with allegations involving Goa, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Odisha and Karnataka.
- When
- The allegations were reported on October 2, 2026; ECINet was launched on January 22, 2026, and the ECI announced a review committee on September 26, 2026.
- Why
- Congress is seeking accountability, disclosure of ECI records and action over alleged voter-roll irregularities and unlawful directions.
Congress and Opposition Allegations
Election Commission Response
ECINet’s legal compliance
Congress and Opposition Allegations
Congress says the ECI’s claim that ECINet was developed in strict accordance with electoral law was false and calls the review committee damage control.
Election Commission Response
The ECI announced a committee to double-check ECINet’s compliance with the Representation of the People Acts and Registration of Electors Rules.
Authority over electoral rolls
Congress and Opposition Allegations
Congress alleges that restricting Electoral Registration Officers’ access and overruling them in states including Goa and West Bengal violated their statutory authority.
Election Commission Response
The ECI maintains that its orders carry legal sanction and follow established statutory procedures.
Special Intensive Revision
Congress and Opposition Allegations
Congress questions the removal of 13.3 crore voters, seeks the original decision file and minutes, and demands disclosure of objections by other commissioners.
Election Commission Response
The ECI says differing views and observations during institutional deliberations are normal and has defended the legality of its SIR-related orders.
Key facts
- ECINet launch
- January 22, 2026
- ECI review announcement
- September 26, 2026
- Congress allegation
- ECINet restrictions allegedly violated the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
- Voters cited by Chidambaram
- 13.3 crore voters allegedly removed under the Special Intensive Revision.
- Reported commissioner objections
- The Indian Express reported at least 14 objections by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi over 10 months.
- Planned opposition action
- The INDIA bloc announced district marches, five major rallies and an October 6 march to the Election Commission.
- ECI position
- The Election Commission said differing views are normal and its orders have legal sanction and follow statutory procedures.
Quotes
P. Chidambaram
Senior Congress leader who challenged the Special Intensive Revision process.
“By restricting access of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to the ECINet voter roll system and by overruling EROs in states like Goa, West Bengal and others, the ECI controlled by the CEC has violated The Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.”
theprint.in
“Starting today, the INDIA janbandhan, citizens and many civil society organisations will hit the streets across the country demanding accountability for these violations of the law and the Constitution.”
theprint.in
Sources
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