The Election Commission of India (ECI) has agreed to meet opposition leaders this afternoon at its secretariat. The meeting is scheduled for 12 PM today following a request made by Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on behalf of several political parties. Ramesh had asked the Commission to hold discussions on multiple issues, including SIR (Special Intensive Revision) of electoral rolls.

EC Responds to Opposition Request

In a letter addressed to Jairam Ramesh, the Election Commission confirmed the meeting schedule. The Commission stated that the delegation could visit the secretariat at noon for discussions. This response came after opposition leaders demanded time to address concerns over the ongoing voter list revision in Bihar and other matters.

The Commission has, however, placed a condition on the meeting. Only 30 leaders will be allowed inside the office for discussions. Additionally, the vehicle details of all attendees must be submitted in advance for parking and security arrangements.

Meeting Agenda Not Disclosed

The ECI’s letter did not specify the detailed agenda of the meeting. However, opposition parties have been demanding the termination of the Special Intensive Revision campaign currently being conducted in Bihar. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly accused the Commission of facilitating voter fraud. Recently, Gandhi alleged that over one lakh votes were stolen in Karnataka, prompting the Commission to send him an affidavit for signature.

According to the EC, the affidavit was meant to confirm that if his claims were proven false, legal action could be taken against him. This step was intended to ensure accountability for the allegations made.

Planned March from Parliament to EC Office

Earlier today, opposition MPs announced a protest march from Parliament to the Election Commission headquarters. Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh stated that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were allegedly filling out fraudulent voter forms in a single room. He claimed that the Commission had admitted many deceased individuals remained on the voter list but had refused to provide their names.

The INDIA alliance has decided that all its MPs will join the march to press for electoral reforms and demand greater transparency from the Commission. Leaders argue that the integrity of the voter list is critical for fair elections and must be safeguarded.

Background of the Controversy

The dispute intensified after the Election Commission launched a special revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar. Opposition parties claim this process is being misused to manipulate voter lists ahead of elections. They allege that large numbers of fake entries and deceased voters remain on the rolls, which could distort election outcomes.

Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of large-scale voter fraud in Karnataka added to the tension. The EC’s demand for a signed affidavit before investigating the claim has been criticised by opposition parties as an attempt to intimidate those raising concerns.

Security and Protocol for the Meeting

The Election Commission’s condition of limiting attendees to 30 members is aimed at ensuring security and smooth proceedings. The requirement for vehicle details is intended to manage parking and prevent disruptions around the secretariat premises.

While the EC has confirmed its readiness to listen to the concerns raised, it remains unclear how much progress can be made in a single meeting. Analysts believe this interaction could either open the door for more detailed discussions or further deepen the political standoff.

Today’s meeting between the Election Commission and opposition leaders is expected to be a high-stakes interaction amid ongoing tensions over voter list revisions. With the INDIA alliance MPs marching to the EC office and pressing for immediate reforms, the outcome of this meeting will be closely watched. Whether it leads to concrete action or remains a symbolic gesture will depend on the willingness of both sides to engage constructively.