Congress Launches National Movement to Defend Electoral Integrity, Criticizes BJP Actions

In a resolute move, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Friday passed a resolution accusing the Modi government of threatening the integrity of India’s electoral process. The party announced plans to launch a nationwide movement to protect the Constitutionally mandated principles of free and fair elections, which it claims are being undermined by the “partisan functioning” of the Election Commission.

The CWC meeting, which took place during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, highlighted that the session has been largely unproductive due to the government’s refusal to address critical national issues. Among the issues raised were the recent revelations about corruption involving a prominent business group and the ongoing violence in Manipur and Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal.

Key Resolutions Adopted by the Congress Working Committee:

• Commitment to Places of Worship Act, 1991: The CWC reaffirmed its strong commitment to the Places of Worship Act, 1991, and condemned the BJP for allegedly violating the law “brazenly.”
• Electoral Manipulation Allegations: Congress addressed its poor performance in Maharashtra and Haryana, calling it “inexplicable” and suggesting it was the result of “targeted manipulation.” The CWC expressed concern that the entire electoral process is under threat, with many citizens losing confidence in the system due to the alleged bias in the functioning of the Election Commission.
• Caste Census & Social Justice: The party called for a caste census to ensure social justice, demanded the removal of the 50% ceiling on reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs, and highlighted the need to address rising monopolies, price hikes, and increasing unemployment.
• Focus on Local Issues: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge acknowledged the party’s disappointing performance in recent elections and urged party members to focus on localized issues. He emphasized that election preparations should begin well in advance, and strategies should be tailored to the specific concerns of each state.

Kharge also called for the party to remain resilient despite recent setbacks and reiterated that addressing public concerns about the electoral process and governance will be central to the party’s upcoming national movement.