Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday, October 3, called for the dissolution of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, alleging that elections conducted across the country were illegal. He demanded fresh elections through ballot papers, raising serious concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI), electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, Kharge questioned the legitimacy of the governments elected through the existing electoral process. He also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and chief ministers of various states, arguing that fresh elections should be conducted to restore public confidence in the democratic process.
Kharge Demands Dissolution of Governments
Kharge alleged that the country’s political system was operating on the basis of elections that lacked legitimacy. He called for the dissolution of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies and demanded that voters be given another opportunity to elect their representatives through ballot papers.
The Congress president also described the Prime Minister and Home Minister as holding their positions through what he termed illegal elections.
His remarks marked a further escalation in the Congress party’s criticism of the Centre and the Election Commission, particularly over electoral procedures and allegations of irregularities in voter registration.
EVMs and Electoral Roll Revision Under Scrutiny
Kharge raised concerns over the alleged misuse of electronic voting machines, claiming that irregularities in the electoral process had undermined democratic principles.
He also criticised the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, alleging that the exercise contained several irregularities and could affect eligible voters.
The SIR process has become a major point of contention between the ruling establishment and opposition parties. Opposition leaders have raised concerns about voter deletions, verification procedures and the possibility of eligible citizens losing their voting rights.
Kharge argued that electoral transparency and the protection of voting rights were essential for maintaining public confidence in elections.
Congress Plans Nationwide Protests Against Election Commission
The Congress president announced that opposition parties would continue organising demonstrations to draw public attention to their concerns regarding the electoral process.
He referred to a planned October 6 protest in New Delhi, during which opposition Members of Parliament are expected to march towards the Election Commission.
Kharge said similar demonstrations would take place in different states, with protests planned at regular intervals.
According to him, the objective of these activities is to create awareness among citizens about voting rights and the alleged irregularities in electoral procedures.
The Congress has also discussed the issue with INDIA bloc partners, with electoral transparency emerging as a central point of opposition coordination.
Kharge Questions Legal Remedies
When asked whether the Congress would pursue legal action over the alleged electoral irregularities, Kharge expressed doubts about the effectiveness of such measures.
He alleged that the government had influence over the judiciary and the Election Commission, and questioned whether legal proceedings would address the concerns raised by opposition parties.
These statements reflected the Congress leadership’s broader criticism of the institutional framework governing elections.
However, Kharge’s allegations remain political claims, and his demand for dissolution does not itself alter the constitutional status of elected governments.
Opposition’s Electoral Reform Demands
The Congress has been seeking greater transparency in electoral roll management, accountability within the Election Commission and changes to the current voting system.
The party has also raised objections to legal provisions concerning the appointment and protection of election commissioners.
Kharge’s latest demand for fresh elections through ballot papers adds another dimension to the ongoing political debate over EVMs and the SIR exercise.
The Election Commission’s role in maintaining electoral rolls and conducting free and fair elections remains central to the dispute.
Political Tensions Intensify Ahead of Upcoming Elections
Kharge’s remarks come amid growing opposition protests over electoral procedures and the functioning of constitutional institutions.
The demand to dissolve the Lok Sabha and state assemblies represents a significant escalation in the Congress president’s position on the issue.
With the October 6 demonstration approaching, the INDIA bloc is expected to continue raising questions about voter inclusion, electoral transparency and the accountability of the Election Commission.
The developments have placed the conduct of elections and the credibility of democratic institutions at the centre of the political debate, with the Congress pressing for fresh polls and the restoration of ballot paper voting.