The INDIA bloc has listed six demands concerning India’s electoral process, including a call for voting through ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The demands were announced after a meeting of Opposition parties in New Delhi amid an escalating dispute over the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge outlined the demands during the meeting, which was attended by leaders from several INDIA bloc parties. The Opposition also announced a joint programme of protests and political action over its concerns regarding electoral rolls and the functioning of the poll panel.
Demand for Ballot Voting
One of the six demands is a return to voting through ballot papers instead of EVMs. Kharge said the parties had agreed on the demand at the meeting.
The issue of EVMs has been a recurring subject of debate among Opposition parties, which have raised questions about electoral transparency and the verification of votes. The Election Commission has consistently maintained that India’s electronic voting system is secure and governed by established procedures.
The INDIA bloc’s demand for ballot voting forms part of its wider call for changes in the electoral process.
Pre-SIR Electoral Rolls for Future Elections
The first demand raised by Kharge was that electoral rolls prepared before the current SIR exercise should be used for future elections.
The Opposition also called for complete transparency in every electoral-roll revision. This would include constituency-wise and booth-wise information on additions, deletions and corrections to voter lists.
The demand comes amid continuing political disagreements over the SIR process and allegations by Opposition parties that legitimate voters could be excluded from electoral rolls.
Notice and Appeal Before Voter Deletion
The second demand concerns safeguards for voters whose names may be removed from electoral rolls.
The INDIA bloc has called for voters to receive due notice and reasons before the removal of any legitimate voter. It has also sought an effective mechanism through which affected voters can appeal against such decisions.
The proposal is aimed at providing greater procedural transparency during electoral-roll revisions.
Protection of Eligible Voters
The Opposition’s third demand focuses on protecting eligible voters from exclusion caused by administrative failures, inadequate documentation or lack of awareness.
The bloc has argued that voters should not lose their electoral rights because of procedural difficulties. The demand comes amid wider discussions about documentation and verification requirements during the SIR exercise.
Easier Registration for First-Time Voters
The fifth demand seeks simple and accessible voter registration procedures, particularly for young citizens voting for the first time.
The INDIA bloc has raised concerns about procedures for new voters and called for measures that make registration easier and more accessible.
The issue is significant as millions of young Indians become eligible to participate in elections each year.
Accountability of Election Institutions
The sixth demand calls for greater institutional accountability and an Election Commission that commands confidence across the political spectrum.
Kharge argued that an independent and impartial Election Commission is essential to the electoral process. The Opposition has also criticised the functioning of the current commission and demanded accountability from its leadership.
The Election Commission, however, has defended its decisions and said that its orders have full legal sanction and follow established statutory procedures.
INDIA Bloc Announces Protest Programme
Alongside the six demands, the Opposition parties announced a joint programme of action. The INDIA bloc plans to hold district-level “Save Democracy” marches and demonstrations from October 2 to October 8.
Opposition MPs are also scheduled to march to the Election Commission on October 6. The leaders plan to raise their concerns over the SIR exercise, electoral rolls and the functioning of the poll panel.
The bloc has also discussed approaching the President of India with its concerns and seeking judicial consideration of cases related to SIR and alleged electoral irregularities.
Election Commission Row Continues
The latest demands come amid an intensifying political dispute between the Opposition and the Election Commission. The controversy has focused on electoral-roll revisions, the role of the poll panel and the use of EVMs.
While Opposition parties are calling for greater transparency and institutional accountability, the Election Commission has maintained that its procedures operate within the legal framework.
The six demands and the planned protests indicate that electoral reforms and the functioning of the Election Commission are likely to remain major political issues in the coming weeks.