Congress demands EC accountability over ECINet system access restrictions

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday levelled allegations that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not been truthful about its handling of the ECINet system, which maintains the country's voter rolls. Ramesh contended that the poll body has improperly restricted Electoral Registration Officers' access to the digital platform, a move he argued contravenes provisions of the Representation of the People Act.

The Congress spokesperson demanded that the ECI provide a transparent account of its decisions regarding system access protocols. He suggested that the restrictions placed on Electoral Registration Officers—officials responsible for voter registration and electoral roll management at the district level—undermine their ability to perform their statutory duties effectively.

The ECINet system serves as a critical infrastructure for managing India's electoral processes and voter information across states and union territories. Electoral Registration Officers rely on accessing this network to update voter rolls, process registration applications, and facilitate smooth conduct of elections at the grassroots level.

The Congress has called for the ECI to clarify the rationale behind the access restrictions and to restore full functionality to Electoral Registration Officers. The party's allegations have added to ongoing scrutiny of the poll body's administrative practices ahead of future electoral cycles.