Gyanesh Kumar Removal Demand, EVMs and SIR Row Dominate INDIA Bloc’s Big Meet

At the INDIA bloc meeting, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge raised six demands, including ballot voting instead of EVMs, transparent voter list revisions, voter protection, easy registration and Election Commission accountability.

Post Published By: Sreeja Chowdhury

Updated : 30 September 2026, 1:37 PM IST

Opposition leaders gather in Delhi amid CEC Gyanesh Kumar row (Img: X/ @INCongress)

New Delhi: The INDIA bloc meeting saw Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge highlight six key demands related to the electoral process, including transparency in voter list revisions, protection of voters’ rights and voting through ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

In his opening remarks at the opposition meeting, Kharge raised concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and called for reforms aimed at strengthening trust in the electoral system.

Congress’ Six Key Demands at INDIA Bloc Meeting

1. Use Pre-SIR Electoral Rolls for Future Elections

The Congress demanded that pre-SIR electoral rolls should be used for future elections. It also sought complete transparency in every electoral roll revision, including constituency-wise and booth-wise details of additions, deletions and corrections.

2. Notice and Appeal Process Before Voter Removal

The party demanded that no legitimate voter should be removed from electoral rolls without prior notice, valid reasons and an effective appeal mechanism.

3. Protection of Eligible Voters

Congress called for safeguards to ensure eligible voters are not excluded due to administrative failures, lack of documents or insufficient awareness about electoral procedures.

4. Voting Through Ballot Papers Instead of EVMs

A major demand raised by the Congress was replacing EVM-based voting with ballot papers, citing the need to strengthen public confidence in the voting process.

5. Easier Voter Registration for Young Citizens

The party demanded a simple and accessible voter registration system, particularly for young citizens and first-time voters.

6. Election Commission Accountability

The sixth demand focused on institutional accountability and an Election Commission that, according to Congress, should command confidence across the political spectrum.

Opposition Discusses Strategy on SIR Row

The INDIA bloc meeting was held amid the ongoing political debate over the SIR exercise and electoral roll revisions. Opposition leaders discussed their concerns and possible future strategy on the issue.

The Election Commission has maintained that electoral roll revision processes are conducted under existing laws and procedures.