Wishy-washy statement, Election Commission in damage-control mode, says Congress

Congress party has criticized the Election Commission (EC) for issuing a "wishy-washy" statement in response to concerns over the SIR (Selective Inclusion Register) exercise. Congress MP and general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh expressed his concerns on X, stating that the EC's statement raises further questions about its intent, integrity, impartiality, and credibility.

The EC's statement did not directly deny the Indian Express investigation's findings or allegations. Ramesh also pointed out that the EC's attempt to justify its actions by appealing to the Supreme Court's order of May 27, 2026, failed to address the disenfranchisement of voters in states like Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, and West Bengal.

The Congress leader also highlighted the EC's failure to answer questions regarding the targeted disenfranchisement of Gen Z voters. Congress head of media and publicity department Pawan Khera described the EC's press note as "too lame, too little, too late," stating that it leaves several questions unanswered. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that EC Chief Gyanesh Kumar was made in-charge of match-fixing India's elections by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that Kumar was used to recruit for the BJP and then appointed as the umpire.