New Delhi, Feb 2 (PTI): The Congress party has established an eight-member committee, named the Empowered Action Group of Leaders and Experts (EAGLE), to oversee and ensure the conduct of free and fair elections by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
In its first move, the panel will investigate alleged voter list manipulation in Maharashtra and submit a detailed report to the party leadership at the earliest, Congress said in a statement.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has been vocal about concerns over India's election system. In a recent statement, he alleged that the Election Commission is failing to ensure poll transparency and has raised serious doubts about the integrity of electoral rolls.
Gandhi specifically pointed out an unusual increase of nearly one crore voters between the Maharashtra Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. He accused the EC of withholding voter lists from opposition parties despite repeated demands.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new Congress headquarters on January 15, Gandhi reaffirmed the party’s commitment to fighting electoral malpractice and demanded greater transparency from the Election Commission.
As Congress gears up for crucial state elections, EAGLE’s findings on Maharashtra’s voter list controversy could shape the party’s stance on electoral reforms and integrity across India.
In its first move, the panel will investigate alleged voter list manipulation in Maharashtra and submit a detailed report to the party leadership at the earliest, Congress said in a statement.
Key Members of ‘EAGLE’ Panel
The committee comprises prominent Congress leaders, including:- Ajay Maken (Congress treasurer)
- Digvijaya Singh
- Abhishek Singhvi
- Praveen Chakravarty
- Pawan Khera
- Gurdeep Singh Sappal
- Nitin Raut
- Challa Vamshi Chand Reddy
Mandate of the Committee
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has formed this panel with immediate effect to monitor election integrity. Beyond Maharashtra, EAGLE will also:- Analyze past elections in various states
- Monitor upcoming elections proactively
- Scrutinize other electoral issues concerning transparency
Significance Ahead of Delhi Assembly Polls
The formation of this panel is particularly significant as it comes just days before the Delhi Assembly elections.Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has been vocal about concerns over India's election system. In a recent statement, he alleged that the Election Commission is failing to ensure poll transparency and has raised serious doubts about the integrity of electoral rolls.
Gandhi specifically pointed out an unusual increase of nearly one crore voters between the Maharashtra Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. He accused the EC of withholding voter lists from opposition parties despite repeated demands.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new Congress headquarters on January 15, Gandhi reaffirmed the party’s commitment to fighting electoral malpractice and demanded greater transparency from the Election Commission.
As Congress gears up for crucial state elections, EAGLE’s findings on Maharashtra’s voter list controversy could shape the party’s stance on electoral reforms and integrity across India.
