Kharge Criticizes Centre Over Amendment to Election Rules, Calls It Attack on Democracy

 Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday accused the Central Government of undermining the institutional integrity of the Election Commission of India (ECI) by amending election rules to restrict public access to certain electronic documents. Kharge described this move as part of a "systematic conspiracy" by the Narendra Modi-led government to erode the independence of democratic institutions.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kharge stated, "The Modi government'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 controversy stems from the Union Law Ministry’s amendment to Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, which restricts public inspection of electronic documents such as CCTV footage, webcasting recordings, and video recordings of candidates. The Centre stated that the amendment aims to prevent the misuse of these materials and was made following recommendations from the ECI.

However, critics, including Kharge, view this as an attempt to shield critical election-related information from scrutiny. "Earlier, they removed the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel appointing Election Commissioners. Now, they are stonewalling electoral information, even after a High Court order," Kharge added.

Kharge highlighted concerns over the ECI's perceived lack of independence, alleging that it frequently dismisses or fails to acknowledge complaints lodged by the Congress regarding electoral irregularities. "Every time we write to the ECI about voter deletions or lack of transparency in EVMs, their responses are condescending. This proves the ECI is not behaving independently," he stated.

He went on to describe the Modi government’s actions as a “calibrated erosion of the ECI's integrity” and a “frontal attack on the Constitution and democracy.” Kharge vowed that the Congress would take every possible step to safeguard democratic institutions.

Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh and KC Venugopal, have indicated the party’s intention to challenge the amendment legally. Venugopal accused the ECI of adopting a pro-government stance and prioritizing opacity over transparency.

The amended Rule 93 now specifies that only documents listed under the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, are open to public inspection. While traditional documents such as nomination forms, appointment of election agents, and election result statements remain accessible, electronic documents like CCTV footage and webcasting recordings are excluded.

Government and ECI officials have clarified that electronic monitoring tools, such as CCTV and webcasting, are not part of the Conduct of Election Rules but were introduced by the ECI as additional measures to ensure a level playing field. A former ECI official explained, “These steps are taken to enhance transparency during elections, but they are not governed by the Rules, which necessitated this clarification.”

Congress leaders argue that the amendment fits into a broader pattern of actions by the Modi government to limit the autonomy of key institutions. "This move not only restricts transparency but also undermines public trust in the electoral process," Kharge emphasized.

The Congress has pledged to continue its fight against what it views as attacks on democracy and institutional integrity. The legal challenge to the amendment is expected to further intensify the ongoing political debate over the independence of India's electoral system.