Congress Pushes for CEC Resignation, Roll Freeze and Paper Ballots – Kharge Issues Firm Ultimatum

New Delhi. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has intensified his criticism of the Election Commission, laying out three non‑negotiable conditions that the party says must be satisfied before it can endorse the forthcoming electoral process.

Three‑Point Ultimatum from Congress

Kharge stated that the Congress wants Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to step down, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls to be suspended, and all future elections to be conducted using traditional paper ballots instead of electronic voting machines. In a social‑media post on Monday, he noted that Congress workers and allies in the INDIA bloc were organising protests nationwide to press these demands.

The leader also pledged to back civil‑society groups and youth organisations campaigning for greater transparency in the voting system.

SIR Roll Revision Under Scrutiny

This declaration comes amid a widening controversy over the Election Commission’s handling of the SIR exercise. The Congress has repeatedly questioned the legality of the roll‑revision, alleging that it could reshape the electorate to the party’s disadvantage.

Reports indicate that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi have lodged objections on several occasions, claiming that certain SIR orders were issued without their knowledge or recommendation. The Commission, however, argues that internal dissent is normal in any institution and that its orders are legally grounded and follow established statutory procedures.

Wider Opposition Demands

Kharge linked the call for the CEC’s resignation with the party’s opposition to the SIR and its demand for a return to paper‑ballot voting. He also accused the ruling BJP of harassing female journalists in Delhi, describing the alleged incident as condemnable and suggesting that the government is attempting to divert attention from the larger electoral controversy.

The Congress reaffirmed its commitment to stand with organisations raising concerns about electoral transparency, while the Election Commission defended the legality of its actions. As debates over roll revision and voting technology continue, the dispute is set to remain a pivotal issue in the run‑up to the next elections.