Congress to launch nationwide mass movement for free and fair elections

India’s principal Opposition party, the Congress, has unveiled plans for a nationwide campaign calling for free and fair elections in India.

Modelled on the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the campaign will conclude with a two-day session in Belgaum, Karnataka, on 26–27 December, ahead of the party’s foundation day celebrations.

Addressing media after the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in New Delhi today (Friday, 29 November), Congress leader Jairam Ramesh explained why Belgaum was chosen as the venue by the party.

"Mahatma Gandhi was elected Congress president during the Belgaum session in 1924, and he held the post for a year. The city symbolises the ideals we stand for," Ramesh said.

He added that in the CWC meeting, "not just EVMs, but the entire election process was questioned and discussed... We are doing our work, performing our duty, but the Election Commission should also perform its duty."

The CWC adopted a resolution voicing serious concerns about the alleged compromise of the electoral process. Notably, the party refrained from attributing the issues to EVMs.

According to sources, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra emphasised at the meeting the need to unequivocally advocate for the use of ballot papers, asserting that there can be no middle ground on the matter.

However, Shashi Tharoor and P. Chidambaram expressed reservations about this proposal.

'The integrity of free and fair elections, a constitutional mandate, is being seriously questioned due to the partisan functioning of the Election Commission. An increasing number of citizens are frustrated and apprehensive. Congress will take up these concerns as part of a national movement,' the final resolution stated.

Earlier, Congress had submitted an "urgent memorandum" to the Election Commission of India (ECI), citing "grave inconsistencies" in the electoral process. The Congress has alleged:

1. Arbitrary voter deletions and additions: Over 10,000 voters were reportedly added or removed in each constituency from the final voter lists.

2. Unexplained surge in voting percentages: A significant rise in voter turnout was observed between 5 p.m. and the final tally declared by the ECI at 11:30 p.m. on polling day.

The announcement of this mass movement for free and fair elections comes in the wake of the Congress' disappointing performance in the Maharashtra assembly elections, where the party won only 16 seats. Allies Shiv Sena (UBT) secured 20 seats, while the NCP (SP) managed 10.

In addition, the party decided at today's meeting to establish internal committees to examine issues related to its electoral performance and organisational structure at the block and district levels, said K.C. Venugopal.

Addressing the CWC, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reflected on the party’s "below-expectation" results in the Maharashtra and Haryana elections this year.

While he acknowledged the Congress’ strong comeback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Kharge emphasised the need to build on the momentum — which didn't happen.

"The momentum was in our favour, but momentum alone doesn’t guarantee victory. We need to analyse why we failed to convert the favourable atmosphere into results. What’s stopping us from taking full advantage of the situation?" Kharge said, urging party workers to focus on local issues and grassroots mobilisation.

The upcoming mass movement is expected to rejuvenate the party's cadre and bring national attention to the issue of electoral integrity.