Surjewala Slams ECINet Over Voter Roll Revision Allegations
Congress leader Randeep Surjewala alleges ECINet's centralized system is causing voter exclusions, specifically citing concerns in Maharashtra.
Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission's ECINet platform, questioning its role in the current revision of electoral rolls. The senior leader alleged that the centralized nature of the software is leading to widespread voter exclusions, effectively undermining the credibility of the poll panel.
In a strongly worded post on X, Surjewala directed his criticism toward the Election Commission under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He sarcastically remarked that the ECINet software had emerged as the "most effective 'Star Campaigner'" for the BJP, suggesting that the system's design disproportionately benefits a specific political entity.
Allegations of Centralized Control and Voter Exclusion
The core of Surjewala's argument rests on the claim that the ECINet system has stripped Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) of their local authority. He argued that by centralizing electoral roll functions, the system prevents local officials from effectively resolving discrepancies at the grassroots level. According to the Congress leader, this shift in power could lead to the systematic exclusion of vulnerable populations, including:
- Migrant workers
- Tribal communities
- Homeless individuals
Surjewala specifically highlighted the Special Internal Revision (SIR) process in Maharashtra, alleging that the draft electoral roll for the state had omitted a staggering 21.1 per cent of its electors. He called for an immediate discontinuation of the ongoing SIR process, citing concerns over financial and administrative transparency.
Internal Concerns and the Commission's Response
The controversy surrounding ECINet is not limited to political opposition. Reports have indicated that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi have previously raised concerns regarding the centralization of electoral databases and the limited access provided to state-level officials.
In response to these mounting challenges, the Election Commission has defended the platform, maintaining that ECINet is a decentralized system. The Commission asserts that statutory responsibilities remain firmly with the designated election officials working in the field.
Review Committee Formed to Examine ECINet
To address the technical and legal scrutiny, the Election Commission announced on September 26 that it would constitute a specialized committee to review the software. The committee's mandate includes:
- An examination of whether the system complies with all relevant laws and rules.
- A review led by a Senior Deputy Election Commissioner.
- Input from an independent expert sourced from an IIT or IIIT.
Regarding the situation in Maharashtra, the Election Commission has extended the deadline for filing claims and objections on the draft electoral rolls to October 12. The Commission clarified that electors missing from the current draft are not permanently deleted and can apply for inclusion through the standard prescribed procedures.