New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) The Congress raised concerns on Thursday regarding alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision linked to the “misuse of Form-7” applications aimed at deleting voters' names. They have called for immediate action from the Election Commission of India (ECI) to avert any potential unfair electoral advantages that may be gained by rival parties through such practices.

In a communication to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and two other Election Commissioners, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal emphasized the need for urgent corrective measures. He urged the ECI to implement stringent oversight and real-time monitoring of the voter deletion process, particularly focusing on Form-7 applications, to prevent arbitrary, mass, or malicious deletions of eligible voters from the electoral rolls.

Venugopal accused the ruling regime of systematically targeting and disenfranchising eligible voters in the 12 states currently undergoing a special intensive electoral roll revision. He requested the ECI to promptly identify individuals associated with the ruling party and others who may be misusing Form-7 applications to remove eligible voters.

Additionally, he called for the ECI to make publicly available comprehensive, easily accessible, and detailed data concerning Form-7 applications related to all 12 states involved in this intensive revision.

This data should encompass the total number of Form-7 applications filed, accepted, rejected, and those pending, alongside constituency-wise and ground-wise breakdowns for the respective revision period, ensuring transparency and maintaining electoral integrity.

Venugopal wrote, “We urge the Hon'ble Commission to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and take all necessary steps to uphold the integrity of the upcoming state elections.”

Moreover, he requested the ECI to leverage its powers under Article 324 of the Constitution to investigate the reported misuse of Form-7 applications and the voter deletion process.

He insisted that upon identifying deliberate false declarations or process abuses, the ECI should initiate suitable legal actions as per the law, including the registration of FIRs where necessary.

“Establish, announce, and enforce clear, uniform, and strict guidelines governing the issuance, filing, scrutiny, and adjudication of Form-7 applications, incorporating safeguards against misuse, while enforcing mandatory verification protocols and accountability measures for the officials involved,” Venugopal concluded.