New Delhi, Sep 30: The INDIA bloc on Wednesday announced a six-point set of demands, including a return to ballot paper voting and use of pre-SIR electoral rolls for future elections, while unveiling a nationwide protest programme over what the opposition parties described as concerns surrounding the Election Commission’s handling of electoral processes.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing INDIA bloc leaders at a meeting in New Delhi, said the parties had agreed to stand together on the demands. The bloc called for greater transparency in electoral roll revisions, safeguards against wrongful voter exclusion and institutional accountability from the Election Commission.
Kharge’s first demand was that electoral rolls prepared before the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) be used for future elections. He also sought complete transparency in every revision of electoral rolls, including constituency-wise and booth-wise details of additions, deletions and corrections.
The second demand called for authorities to provide reasons and an effective appeal mechanism before removing any eligible voter from the electoral roll. The bloc also sought protection for voters who could face exclusion because of administrative failures, inadequate documentation or lack of awareness.
The fourth demand called for voting through ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines, with Kharge linking the proposal to what he described as the need to protect the sanctity of voters’ choices.
The remaining demands seek a simpler and more accessible voter registration process for young citizens, particularly first-time voters, and greater institutional accountability from the Election Commission so that it commands confidence across the political spectrum.
Kharge also alleged that Rahul Gandhi had repeatedly presented evidence of what he termed “vote chori” in states including Haryana and Maharashtra, but alleged that the Election Commission had failed to adequately address the complaints. He said electoral institutions needed transparency to maintain public trust.
The bloc also announced a series of programmes aimed at taking its campaign against the Election Commission to voters across the country. From October 2 to October 8, INDIA bloc parties will organise “Save Democracy March” programmes in every district and hold protests outside District Magistrate offices, according to Kharge.
He said opposition MPs would march to the Election Commission on October 6. In the second week of October, opposition leaders plan to seek an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu to submit a representation on what they described as concerns over the electoral process.
The bloc has also planned five rallies across the country, with dates yet to be finalised. Kharge said the rallies would be held during October and November to explain to voters what the opposition parties described as the impact of electoral irregularities on voting rights.
A large rally has been planned in Delhi on November 1, where the opposition intends to raise its allegations concerning “vote chori” by the Election Commission.
The INDIA bloc also plans to approach the Supreme Court and seek an early hearing in pending cases concerning SIR and what Kharge described as other electoral malpractices.
The bloc’s joint position centres on the principle of “one person, one vote, one value”. Its leaders said they would oppose what they described as a lack of transparency in electoral roll revisions and seek safeguards to prevent eligible voters from being excluded.
Kharge also accused the Narendra Modi government of moving from “notebandi” to what he called “vote bandi”, alleging that the latter would deprive citizens of their voting rights. He further said Mamata Banerjee had also raised concerns over the issue on multiple occasions.
The INDIA bloc said its campaign would seek to take its concerns directly to voters through district-level programmes, demonstrations, rallies and representations before constitutional institutions.
