Congress to chart ECI strategy as leaders call for poll chief's ouster

The Congress party will convene a meeting to deliberate on its approach to the Election Commission of India (ECI) amid escalating tensions between the two entities. The development comes as the party has intensified its campaign against the Chief Election Commissioner, framing its grievances around allegations of electoral malpractices.

Since last week, Congress has organised protest marches across multiple cities, centring its agitation on charges of vote manipulation. The party's mobilisation reflects deep concerns within the leadership about the conduct of recent electoral processes and the functioning of the poll watchdog.

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has indicated that the party's response will extend beyond calls for the poll chief's resignation. "We have to take action against him, even after his resignation," Kharge said, signalling the party's intent to pursue the matter through institutional channels and potentially legal avenues.

The Congress's strategy discussion is expected to chart a path forward for the party's engagement with the ECI, balancing its electoral interests with broader concerns about institutional accountability. The meeting will likely address both immediate tactical responses and longer-term positioning on electoral reforms and governance issues.