Systematic conspiracy: Mallikarjun Kharge slams Centre’s election rule change

Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday sharply criticised the central government for amending election rules to restrict access to poll documents, calling it a deliberate conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the Election Commission.

Kharge accused the Centre of eroding the Election Commission’s independence, calling it an attack on the Constitution and democracy. “Modi Govt’s audacious amendment in the Conduct of Election Rules is another assault in its systematic conspiracy to destroy the institutional integrity of the Election Commission of India,” the Congress chief tweeted.

On Friday, based on the recommendation of the Election Commission, the Union law ministry amended the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to prevent public inspection of certain electronic documents such as CCTV camera and webcasting footage as well as video recordings of candidates. The centre argued that the move aims to prevent their misuse.

Slamming this move, Kharge said, “Earlier, they had removed the Chief Justice of India from the Selection panel which appoints Election Commissioners, and now they have resorted to stonewall electoral information, even after a High Court order”.

The Congress President also said that whenever the party approached the poll body, with concerns about specific poll irregularities, including voter deletions and a lack of transparency in EVMs, the Commission responded dismissively and failed to acknowledge some serious complaints.

“This again proves that the ECI, even though it is a quasi-judicial body, is not behaving independently. Modi Govt’s calibrated erosion of ECI’s integrity is a frontal attack on the Constitution and Democracy and we will take every step to safeguard them,” Kharge said.

Rule 93 mandates that all “papers” related to elections be open for public inspection. However, the amendment adds “as specified in these rules,” narrowing access.

While documents like nomination forms, election agent appointments, results, and account statements are included under the Conduct of Election Rules, electronic records such as CCTV footage, webcasting, and candidate videos during the Model Code of Conduct period remain excluded.

Congress was quick to counter the changes. Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Saturday said they would legally challenge the amendment.

Lok Sabha MP and Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said the poll panel had chosen opacity and a pro-government attitude in its dealings thus far.

Meanwhile, Election Commission officials said that records like CCTV footage, webcasting, and candidate videos during the Model Code of Conduct period are available to candidates, but restricting public access ensures voter secrecy and prevents misuse, though courts remain an avenue for access.