The Indian National Congress on 2 October 2026 alleged that the Election Commission of India (ECI) lied about its online voter‑roll portal ECINet, and breached the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. The party demanded immediate accountability and the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
Key Developments
- Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh claimed the ECI’s September 26, 2026 press note promised a committee to certify ECINet’s legality, but the promised certification never materialised.
- The party alleges that the ECI restricted access of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) in states such as Goa and West Bengal, violating statutory authority granted by the 1950 Act and 1960 Rules.
- Following a complaint by the Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer on 24 September 2026, Congress announced nationwide street protests starting 2 October 2026, under the banner of INDIA Janbandhan.
- Opposition parties plan a joint march to the ECI on 6 October 2026 and will meet the President to highlight alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
- Two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, have recorded at least 14 objections to SIR decisions over the past ten months, citing lack of prior consultation.
Important Facts
ECINet was launched on 22 January 2026 with promises of full compliance with the Constitution and electoral laws. The Congress alleges that the portal’s operation has been altered illegally, including the removal of mandatory declaration forms (Form 6) in non‑SIR states, contravening established procedures.
Data from the ongoing SIR exercise shows that over 71 % of deletions fall under the ‘absent, shifted or others’ category, indicating a massive cleanup that may affect voter enfranchisement.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the functioning and autonomy of the ECI is essential for GS‑2 (Polity). The controversy touches on statutory interpretation of the Representation of the People Act and related rules, which are frequent essay topics. The role of EROs and the procedural safeguards in the SIR process illustrate checks and balances within electoral administration.
Way Forward
- Congress and allied parties will continue street‑level protests demanding a judicial review of ECINet’s compliance.
- The opposition plans to file a petition before the Supreme Court to expedite pending cases on SIR and alleged electoral malpractices.
- Calls for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar may intensify if the ECI does not address the objections raised by its own commissioners.
- Stakeholders, including civil‑society groups, are urged to monitor the implementation of ECINet and ensure that any revisions to the electoral roll adhere strictly to statutory provisions.
For UPSC aspirants, tracking this evolving dispute offers insight into how institutional accountability, legal frameworks, and political pressure intersect in India’s democratic processes.