In this image posted on October 5, 2026, Congress national president and LoP in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, LoP in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, party general secretary (organisation) and MP K.C. Venugopal, party MPs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh, Kumari Selja, Syed Naseer Hussain, party MLA Sachin Pilot and others during a meeting with party general secretaries, State In-charges, and State presidents on the issue of ‘vote chori’, at Indira Bhawan, in New Delhi.
| Photo Credit: X/@INCIndia via PTI
Mounting an offensive against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the Congress on Monday (October 5, 2026) accused the CEC of “lying” after the Supreme Court said it had not approved of any changes to Form 6 during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in various States.
Protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar: Follow LIVE updates on October 5, 2026
Form 6 is an application through which, an eligible person seeks inclusion in the electoral roll for the first time.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on his X handle, shared a screenshot of the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) statement on September 26, 2026, which read: “The declaration attached to Form 6 for SIR has been upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. For non-SIR period, the Forms applicable as per Rules (the Registration of Electors Rules 1960) will be used.”
“It is now established beyond doubt that Gyanesh Kumar changed Form 6 illegally and unilaterally. This is just one more proof of him abusing his position to help the BJP. He and everyone else involved in this criminal assault on our democracy will be held accountable,” Mr. Gandhi said.
The Opposition leader’s remarks came after the Supreme Court issued notices to the ECI and the Centre on a petition that alleged the poll body took several decisions without the approval of the two Election Commissioners.
In a separate post on X, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said resignation of the CEC, annulling the SIR and conducting elections on ballot papers are “non-negotiable demands” of the principal Opposition party.
Mr. Kharge said Congress workers and INDIA bloc partners are on the streets over these three issues across the country. He said the Congress stands in solidarity with civil society members and youth organisations that are struggling on these issues in various places across the country.
“The dictator is extremely panicked; get ready for another chapter in the distraction tactics,” the Congress chief said, adding, “The Congress Party’s 3 demands are non-negotiable. First, the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. Second, the annulment of SIR. Third, conducting elections on Ballot Paper”.
Taking note of the Supreme Court’s notices to the ECI and the Centre and the top court’s observation that it will annul decisions found not to be in accordance with law, Congress communication chief Jairam Ramesh said the Supreme Court has a remarkable opportunity to restore public confidence in the ECI.
He accused the CEC of “betraying” the Constitution in letter and spirit at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
“Based on the recent damning revelations regarding (1) the ad-hoc, illegal and slip-shod manner in which the SIR was taking place, (2) criticism from both sitting and retired Judges of the Supreme Court, (3) the vast and indiscriminate (and many obviously incorrect) deletions without adequate due process, the Supreme Court has a remarkable opportunity to restore public confidence in an institution vital to the integrity of our republic,” Mr. Ramesh said on X.
“Obviously and very clearly the CEC lied. Form 6 was deliberately modified by the CEC himself to delete Gen Z voters of whom the PM is simply terrified,” Mr. Ramesh said in another post.
Published – October 05, 2026 06:30 pm IST
