Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday slammed the central government for amending election rules to limit public access to certain electronic documents, accusing it of systematically eroding the integrity of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Kharge described the amendment as a “frontal attack on the Constitution and democracy,” alleging it forms part of the Modi government’s “calibrated erosion” of the ECI’s institutional independence.

The Union law ministry amended Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, on Friday to limit the scope of “papers” open to public inspection. The change, based on the ECI’s recommendation, excludes electronic documents such as CCTV footage, webcasting recordings, and video evidence of candidates during the Model Code of Conduct period. Officials stated that the move aims to prevent the misuse of such records.

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In response, Kharge alleged in a post on X , “Modi government’s audacious amendment in the Conduct of Election Rules is another assault in its systematic conspiracy to destroy the institutional integrity of the Election Commission of India.” “Earlier, they had removed the Chief Justice of India from the Selection panel which appoints Election Commissioners, and now they have resorted to stonewall electoral information, even after a High Court order,” he said in his post on X.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh announced that the party intends to challenge the amendment legally. MP and general secretary KC Venugopal also criticised the poll panel for its “opacity” and perceived bias towards the government.

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The amendment has sparked fresh debate over electoral transparency. Under the revised rules, while documents like nomination forms, results, and accounts remain accessible, electronic records such as surveillance footage are exempt. Law ministry officials clarified that the amendment was prompted by a court case and emphasised that such electronic data was never covered under the existing rules.

The Congress party vowed to resist the changes, with Kharge stating, “We will take every step to safeguard the Constitution and democracy.”