JAIPUR, OCTOBER 04, 2026 : Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Sunday accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of undermining the independence of the Election Commission, alleging that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was being used to selectively remove voters.
Speaking to reporters in Jaipur, Pilot alleged that Kumar had sidelined the other two Election Commissioners while taking decisions related to electoral-roll revision. He demanded action against the CEC.
Pilot argued that the three-member Election Commission is required to take decisions either unanimously or by majority and alleged that the SIR process had effectively been initiated and driven by Kumar alone.
Allegations Over Electoral Rolls
Pilot also alleged that powers normally exercised by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) at the local level were being centralised.
He claimed that large numbers of names had been removed from electoral rolls across the country and alleged selective targeting of voters in states including Haryana, Bihar and West Bengal.
Comparing the alleged voter deletions to demonetisation, Pilot referred to the process as “votebandi”, arguing that the right to vote is a fundamental component of democracy.
The claims are political allegations and have not been independently established.
Pilot Demands Action Against CEC
Pilot said public confidence in the Election Commission as an impartial constitutional institution had been affected and called for action against Gyanesh Kumar.
His comments come amid continuing political and legal debate over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision exercise and the procedures being followed during electoral-roll revision.
Rajasthan Drought Conditions
Pilot also criticised the Rajasthan government over drought-like conditions in parts of the state, alleging that inadequate preparations were made despite deficient monsoon rainfall.
He argued that earlier planning and advance arrangements could have reduced the impact of the situation.
Pilot further accused the BJP government of focusing on elections and retaining political power instead of addressing problems linked to deficient rainfall.
Allegations Over Local Elections
The Congress leader also alleged misuse of police and administrative machinery during recent urban local body elections in Rajasthan.
He claimed that Congress councillors were stopped at the Haryana border, although the allegation was not independently verified in the information provided.
Attack on Punjab Government
Pilot, who is the AICC general secretary in charge of Punjab, also criticised the AAP government in Punjab over law and order and drug abuse.
He alleged that the situation had deteriorated and expressed confidence that the Congress would return to power in Punjab with a clear majority.
Vishvendra Singh Issue
Asked about former Rajasthan minister and Congress leader Vishvendra Singh, Pilot said the matter would come before the party and that he would present his position.
The Rajasthan Congress has issued a show-cause notice to Singh over alleged indiscipline and anti-party activities after he indicated that he could potentially leave the party.
