Stories
Congress Accuses EC of Lying About ECINet, Demands Accountability for Violations
- •The Congress party has accused the Election Commission (EC) of "lying" about its ECINet portal and violating The Representation of the People Act, calling for accountability.
- •Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that the EC's September 26 press note, promising a committee to certify ECINet's compliance, was a "damage control but actually damage enhancing" move.
- •Ramesh claimed that the ECINet, launched on January 22, 2026, was falsely presented as being in strict accordance with the law and Constitution, alleging that restricting access for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) violated the law.
- •The Congress highlighted that the Maharashtra CEO wrote to the ECI on September 24, 2026, requesting a correction of the "illegal state of affairs."
- •The INDIA janbandhan, citizens, and civil society organizations plan to protest nationwide, demanding accountability for these alleged violations, with opposition MPs marching to the Election Commission on October 6 and meeting the President.
Key Questions Answered
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh claimed the Election Commission lied about the ECINet portal complying with the law, alleging that restricting Electoral Registration Officers' access and overruling them violated the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
The Election Commission launched ECINet on January 22, 2026, to enhance transparency, credibility, and public trust by integrating various election-related digital systems and services in strict accordance with the law.
Opposition parties of the INDIA bloc announced joint 'save democracy' district marches, five major rallies, a march by MPs to the Election Commission on October 6, and a meeting with the President to demand the CEC's resignation.
