INVC NEWS
New Delhi — : The Indian National Congress has formally addressed a letter to the Election Commission of India (ECI), demanding immediate action ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana. In a strongly worded appeal, the party has sought the digital, machine-readable copies of the voter list for both states and complete video footage of polling day activities, citing the need for transparency and public trust in the electoral process.
Congress Seeks Transparency: Demands Digital Voter Rolls
Congress has emphasized that access to the full digital voter list in a machine-readable format is not just a procedural requirement but a democratic necessity. In its communication to the Commission, the party urged that the voter data be made available within seven days, underlining that the demand is not new, but part of its long-standing campaign for electoral accountability.
The letter underscores that a machine-readable voter list will allow stakeholders, including political parties and civil society groups, to analyze electoral rolls for inconsistencies, duplication, and wrongful deletions — issues that have been flagged repeatedly during previous elections.
Video Footage of Polling Day Requested for Audit and Scrutiny
The Congress party also sought the complete video recording from polling day in both states. It cited recent concerns raised by opposition parties, especially pertaining to irregularities in voter identification and administrative lapses in Maharashtra. By requesting access to video archives, Congress aims to cross-verify the polling procedure and identify any visual evidence of procedural misconduct.
This request has come in the wake of numerous complaints from grassroots workers and local Congress leadership in Maharashtra, who alleged that the polling booths were inadequately monitored, and several incidents went unrecorded or unreported. The party has insisted that full transparency of the polling process is paramount, and releasing the footage to political stakeholders will strengthen the credibility of the ECI.
Congress Insists the Demand is Not New, But Long Overdue
In its letter, Congress reiterated that this request is neither unprecedented nor technically complex. The party claimed that this demand has been consistently raised across electoral cycles and is in line with best practices for electoral integrity.
According to Congress, the Election Commission already possesses the infrastructure to fulfill such requests and doing so will foster institutional trust. The letter articulates that timely release of this data will bolster public faith in the democratic process and diminish allegations of partisanship.
The Congress party emphasized:
“This request, far from being extraordinary, aligns with the spirit of democratic transparency and public confidence. We believe that digital access and polling footage are essential tools for every stakeholder committed to free and fair elections.”
Congress Leadership Open to ECI Meeting for Data Sharing
The party has made it clear that it is willing to personally meet with the Election Commission’s leadership to discuss the matter in depth. The letter mentions that a delegation comprising top Congress officials is prepared to present analytical reports, findings, and evidence that may suggest significant electoral irregularities.
Congress has hinted that this data includes comparative analysis of voter list inconsistencies, potential violations of electoral conduct, and possible collusion at the booth level. The party intends to submit this information in person, in order to facilitate an open, detailed discussion with the Commission.
Rahul Gandhi’s Concerns Amplified Through Official Channels
This development comes after opposition leader Rahul Gandhi publicly criticized the functioning of the Election Commission during and after the recent elections. His allegations ranged from arbitrary deletions of voter names to mishandling of voter verification processes.
By formalizing these concerns in a letter, Congress has shifted its stance from public criticism to institutional engagement, potentially setting the tone for a broader national debate on electoral transparency.
Opposition Parties Unite Around Accountability Issues
The Congress party’s letter also resonates with the broader chorus of discontent among India’s opposition parties, many of which have alleged misuse of electoral procedures, especially in BJP-governed states. In Maharashtra, repeated complaints have been filed regarding inaccessible polling booths, malfunctioning EVMs, and missing voter names—issues that Congress says are symptomatic of systemic dysfunction.
By officially invoking the ECI’s responsibility, Congress seeks to hold the Commission accountable for what it sees as administrative oversights that compromise the fundamental fairness of elections.
Technical Feasibility and Urgency Highlighted by Congress
Congress’s letter does not merely make demands but also offers technical clarity. It suggests that all modern voter list data is digitized at the backend, and hence providing CSV or XML files in a week’s time is entirely feasible. Similarly, video surveillance is already mandated at numerous booths, particularly in sensitive and urban constituencies, and footage is often stored digitally for weeks.
The party stressed:
“Given that the data and video files already exist in digital formats, the Election Commission must proactively release them to maintain credibility and openness.”
Allegations in Maharashtra: The Focal Point
The letter makes specific mention of Maharashtra, where irregularities in the electoral roll, poor polling booth management, and lack of proper oversight have been persistent talking points since the last round of elections. Congress has accused the ruling administration of exploiting procedural opacity, and sees the upcoming elections as an opportunity to restore fairness through vigilant scrutiny.
Party officials claim to have gathered on-ground testimonies, digital evidence, and ward-level discrepancies that merit immediate ECI attention.
Public Confidence Hinges on Data Transparency
Beyond the immediate electoral impact, the Congress letter positions the issue as a battle for public confidence. By ensuring openness in voter data and polling footage, the party believes the ECI can set a benchmark for electoral conduct going forward.
The party’s message is direct: Without data access and transparency, elections risk being perceived as biased or manipulated. And with India preparing for critical state and national polls in the near future, voter trust must be prioritized.
What Congress Expects from the ECI Now
Congress has demanded the following from the Election Commission of India:
Digital, machine-readable copies of the voter list for Maharashtra and Haryana within seven days.
Complete video footage from all polling booths on polling day, made accessible to the party.
An in-person meeting with the Commission to present data-driven analysis and electoral evidence.
Proactive steps to enhance transparency, such as standardized publication of electoral roll updates and real-time booth-level monitoring data.
