Maharashtra CEO Demands ECINet Discretion for EROs, Echoing Concerns Raised by Election Commissioners

ECINet Centralization: Election Commissioners Flag RP Act 1950 Violation to Cabinet Secretary

The Election Commission's ECINet platform centralized control of the electoral roll, violating the decentralized framework of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. Two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, repeatedly flagged this internal breach, and an unprecedented complaint was escalated to the Cabinet Secretary after oversight of the IT division was removed. This rift within the ECI threatens electoral integrity and raises fundamental questions about legal compliance.

Two Election Commissioners Flag Unauthorised Changes to Electoral Rolls and ERONet Access | Dissent Challenges CEC Powers

Two Election Commissioners appointed under the 2023 law have publicly questioned the centralisation of electoral roll management, unauthorised changes to Form 6, and restrictions on state-level officials' access to ERONet. This exposes internal rifts in the Election Commission and raises critical questions about the balance of power between the CEC and ECs, the autonomy of state election machinery, and the sanctity of the electoral process under the new legal framework.

2.08 Crore Maharashtra Voters May Be Left Out of Aug 24 SIR Draft Roll Due to Enumeration Gap

Over 2.08 crore (21.25%) of Maharashtra's 9.79 crore voters may be excluded from the August 24 draft electoral roll due to uncollected enumeration forms during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). This is a draft and voters have until September 23 to seek inclusion. The issue is acute in urban districts like Thane, Mumbai, and Pune.

Special Intensive Revision: 43.7% Voters Untraceable in 25 Urban Maharashtra Seats

Maharashtra's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls after 24 years reveals that over 40% of voters in 25 urban constituencies could not be traced, threatening their inclusion in the draft roll. This highlights systemic issues in urban voter registration and the challenges of maintaining accurate electoral rolls in high-mobility areas.

SC Uses Article 142 to Quash NEET FIRs; PM at SCO Demands Action on Terror Financing

Supreme Court invoked Article 142 to quash all NEET protest FIRs, showcasing its plenary powers. PM Modi at the SCO summit called for united action against state-sponsored terrorism, indirectly targeting Pakistan. Other key updates include bank unions striking over PLI and 5-day week, totaliser debate, and India's tunnel rescue in Nepal.

Election Commission's SIR Deletes 13 Crore Names from Draft Rolls; Raises Questions on Population & Voting Rights

The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has led to the deletion of 13 crore names from draft rolls, including nearly one-third of Delhi's electorate. This article by a former Chief Election Commissioner uses satire to highlight the absurdity of treating electoral roll deletions as a solution to India's population problem, while drawing parallels with the Assam NRC and warning of potential disenfranchisement of eligible citizens.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar: ECI Targets 100% Voter Registration for 18+; ECINET App Introduces Parental Declaration in Form-6

CEC Gyanesh Kumar announced the Election Commission's goal of universal voter enrollment for all citizens above 18. The ECINET app now enables digital submission of Form-6 with a new declaration requiring applicants to provide their parents' polling station details from the last Special Intensive Revision (SIR). This drive involves 11 lakh Booth Level Officers and is part of a nationwide effort covering 19 states where SIR is ongoing.

Election Commission Rift: Two ECs Flag Unauthorized Changes to Electoral Roll System

Two Election Commissioners have publicly recorded objections against the CEC, alleging unauthorized centralization of the electoral roll system, illegal changes to voter forms, and being kept in the dark on key decisions. This unprecedented internal dissent strikes at the core of electoral integrity and raises concerns about checks and balances within the ECI.