Congress files complaint against EC official over electoral software centralisation

The complaint, filed by a Congress party representative, targets what the party characterises as an improper concentration of powers within the Election Commission's technical apparatus. The allegation centres on the management and deployment of electoral roll software platforms used across India's vast polling infrastructure.

At the heart of the dispute are two systems: ERONet, which was introduced during 2017-18 to streamline electoral roll operations at the state and district levels, and ECINet, a more recently launched platform that became operational in January 2026. The Congress party has raised concerns about the transition between these systems and the potential centralisation of control over voter data management.

The complaint suggests that procedural safeguards may have been bypassed during the implementation of the newer system, potentially concentrating decision-making authority in ways that circumvent established institutional checks. Electoral roll management has long been considered a sensitive function given its direct impact on voter accessibility and the integrity of electoral processes.

The Election Commission has not yet issued a formal response to the allegations. The matter adds to mounting questions about the Commission's digital infrastructure, with critics arguing that transparency and multi-stakeholder oversight are essential given the critical nature of electoral roll systems in Indian democracy.

The complaint is likely to intensify debate about the governance frameworks surrounding the Commission's technological modernisation efforts and the balance between centralised efficiency and distributed accountability in managing electoral processes.