Congress Issues Firm Ultimatum: CEC Resignation, Halt SIR Roll Revision, and Reinstate Paper Ballots

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

Three‑Point Ultimatum From Congress

Kharge declared that the party seeks the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, an immediate suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, and a re‑introduction of paper‑based voting in place of electronic voting machines. In a social‑media statement on Monday, he noted that Congress cadres and allies within the INDIA coalition are organising protests nationwide to press these demands.

The leader also affirmed Congress’s willingness to back civil‑society movements and youth groups that are campaigning for greater openness and accountability in the voting system.

Controversy Over the SIR Roll Revision

This proclamation arrives amid growing disputes over the Election Commission’s execution of the SIR exercise. Congress has repeatedly challenged the legality of the roll‑revision, arguing that it could manipulate the voter list to the party’s disadvantage.

Media reports indicate that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi have raised objections on several occasions, alleging that certain SIR orders were issued without their prior knowledge or recommendation. The Commission, however, contends that internal dissent is normal in any large institution and that its directives are grounded in law and follow established statutory procedures.

Wider Opposition Demands

Kharge linked the call for the CEC’s resignation with the broader opposition to the SIR and the demand for a return to paper‑ballot voting. He also accused the ruling BJP of targeting female journalists in Delhi, describing the alleged incident as reprehensible and suggesting that the government is attempting to shift focus away from the larger electoral controversy.

Congress reaffirmed its solidarity 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 standoff is poised to remain a decisive issue in the run‑up to the next elections.