Source The Hindu
A major political row has erupted over India’s voter registration system. The Congress party has launched a fierce attack on Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of making illegal changes to Form 6—the official application used by citizens to register as new voters.
The confrontation intensified after the Supreme Court stated that it had never approved any modifications to the form, prompting opposition leaders to demand the poll chief’s immediate resignation.
What Is Form 6 and Why Does It Matter?
Form 6 is a legally mandated form that allows eligible citizens, especially young people turning 18, to add their names to the voter list. Under election rules, modifying such a statutory form requires formal procedures rather than quick administrative orders.
During the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, opposition parties noticed that new declarations and conditions were added to the online version of the form. Critics argue these unauthorized changes created confusion and made it harder for new voters to sign up.
The Supreme Court’s Crucial Remark
The issue reached a boiling point during hearings in the Supreme Court. Previously, the Election Commission had issued a statement suggesting that the added declaration in Form 6 had been upheld by the top court.
However, the Supreme Court pushed back firmly, clarifying that it had not approved any modifications to Form 6. The court made it clear that it will review internal records to find out who ordered the changes and whether proper legal processes were followed.
Opposition Steps Up Demands
Following the court’s clarification, Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, alleged that the changes were made unilaterally to serve political interests. The party demanded:
The immediate resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
The cancellation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Full transparency regarding who authorized the digital edits to the registration system.
Other opposition parties have joined the chorus, planning nationwide protest rallies to raise concerns over voter list integrity.
The Election Commission’s Stand
For its part, the Election Commission has maintained that the core statutory form was never altered, characterizing the additions as temporary supplementary declarations intended only for the special revision drive. The controversial clauses have since been removed in areas where the review concluded, but with the top court now examining the paper trail, the controversy shows no signs of slowing down.
For more on the regulatory adjustments and the political fallout, watch India Today’s report on the Election Commission modifying Form 6. This video breaks down the specific clauses removed from the online portal and the opposition’s response to the revision drive.
