New Delhi, 27 Dec

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday flagged concerns over alleged “voter deletion” during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in nine states and three Union Territories, describing it as a threat to democratic rights.

Backing Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s campaign against alleged “votetheft”, Kharge alleged that the exercise was designed to selectively disenfranchise voters. “Today, SIR is a matter of serious concern. It is a well-thought-out conspiracy to restrict democratic rights. Rahulji has repeatedly presented evidence of ‘vote theft’ before the country with facts and examples,” Kharge said while delivering his opening remarks at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting.

He further alleged institutional bias, saying, “The collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission is well-known to all. Therefore, we must ensure that the names of our voters are not deleted.”

Calling for heightened vigilance, Kharge urged party workers to protect the voting rights of marginalised communities. “We must ensure that the names of people from poor and vulnerable sections, especially Dalits, Adivasis, Extremely Backward Classes, and minorities, are not removed from the voter list. Nor should they be TRANSFERRED to other booths. For this, our BLAs will have to go door-to-door with the voter list,” he said.

Kharge also asked party leaders to begin coordinated preparations for the Assembly elections due in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry in April–May 2026.

Aiming for the ruling party, he accused the BJP of misusing central agencies against the Opposition. “Over the past 11 years, the country has seen how agencies like ED, IT, and CBI are being misused. The BJP and Sangh Parivar are engaged in tarnishing the image of our leaders on the NATIONAL HERALD issue. We are fighting a legal battle. ‘Satyameva Jayate’--this is what Rahulji always says, and we will emerge victorious,” Kharge said.

Concluding his address, Kharge expressed concern over attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and incidents of vandalism during Christmas in India. “The attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh in recent months have worried the entire country. We strongly condemn this… This has tarnished our image in the eyes of the world,” he added.