Kharge Calls for CEC Ouster, Roll Freeze, and Paper Ballots – Congress Issues Firm Ultimatum

New Delhi. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has escalated his criticism of the Election Commission, laying out three absolute demands that, according to the party, must be satisfied before it can endorse the forthcoming electoral process.

Congress’s Triple Demand

Kharge declared that the party seeks the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, an immediate suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and a shift back to traditional paper‑ballot voting for all future elections. In a social‑media statement on Monday, he said Congress workers and allies in the INDIA coalition were organising protests nationwide to press these points.

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

SIR Roll Revision Under Scrutiny

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

According to reports, Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi have on several occasions raised objections, claiming that certain SIR orders were issued without their knowledge or recommendation. The Commission, however, argues that internal dissent is normal in any large institution and that its actions are grounded in law and established statutory procedures.

Wider Opposition Demands

Kharge linked the demand for the CEC’s resignation to the party’s opposition to the SIR and its call for a return to paper ballots. 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.

Congress reaffirmed its commitment to stand with organisations highlighting 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.