Congress chief pushes electoral reforms as INDIA bloc meets

The Congress president raised the issue during a meeting of the INDIA bloc, the opposition alliance that challenged the ruling government in recent national elections. Kharge's advocacy for pre-SIR (Supplementary Integrated Register) electoral rolls represents an attempt to address concerns about electoral accuracy and voter inclusion, party sources indicated.

The proposal to shift from electronic voting machines to ballot-based voting systems has emerged as part of the coalition's broader push for electoral transparency. INDIA bloc members have increasingly questioned the reliability of existing electoral processes, citing the need for enhanced accountability measures.

Kharge's intervention reflects growing pressure from opposition quarters to reform India's electoral infrastructure. The coalition has positioned these proposals as essential steps toward strengthening democratic participation and ensuring all eligible voters are properly registered ahead of future elections.

The INDIA bloc, comprising multiple opposition parties, has used such meetings to coordinate on key policy positions. Electoral reform remains a contentious issue in Indian politics, with various stakeholders holding divergent views on the merits of different voting mechanisms and voter registration procedures.