Congress Accuses Election Commission of 'Lying' Over ECINet, Demands Accountability

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of 'lying' about the ECINet voter roll system and alleged that the poll body violated the Representation of the People Act by restricting Electoral Registration Officers' (EROs) access to the platform. The accusation, made in New Delhi, marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing dispute between the opposition party and the ECI over the transparency of electoral rolls.

Ramesh claimed that the ECI's decision to limit ERO access to ECINet contravenes statutory provisions, and demanded accountability from the commission. The ECINet system, designed to streamline voter registration and roll management, has been a point of contention, with opposition parties raising concerns about data integrity and access. The ECI has not yet responded to the specific allegations, but previously stated that ECINet is a secure and efficient tool for electoral management.

The controversy could have significant implications for the upcoming elections, as it raises questions about the independence and functioning of the ECI. The Congress party has threatened legal action if the commission fails to address its concerns, while political analysts suggest this could further polarize the political landscape. The ECI is expected to issue a clarification, and the matter may escalate to the courts if unresolved.