Mallikarjun Kharge Criticizes Government's Election Rule Changes

In New Delhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has voiced strong criticism against the Union Government's recent changes to the Conduct of Election Rules. He accused the government of undermining the Election Commission of India's (ECI) integrity. Kharge pointed out the removal of the Chief Justice of India from the ECI selection panel and claimed the government is blocking crucial electoral information despite a High Court order.

Kharge stated, "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." He also mentioned that the ECI has responded dismissively to Congress's concerns about voter deletions and transparency in electronic voting machines (EVMs).

This criticism follows a Punjab and Haryana High Court directive in the Mahmoud Pracha vs ECI case, which ordered the sharing of documents related to the Haryana Assembly elections. The Centre's amendment now limits public access to certain electronic documents, including CCTV footage, based on ECI recommendations.

A senior ECI official clarified that candidates have access to all necessary documents and that the amendment aims to protect voter secrecy and prevent misuse of CCTV footage, especially in sensitive areas like Jammu and Kashmir. The official emphasized the importance of safeguarding voter safety and maintaining the secrecy of the vote.