Jairam Ramesh alleges ECINET system enables partisan control

The controversy centers on allegations that security flaws within the ECINET system were ignored by the Election Commission for nearly three months. Ramesh noted that a researcher flagged vulnerabilities on July 8, 2026, receiving an acknowledgement only in October after the commission faced mounting public criticism. The Congress leader contends that the platform, launched in January 2026 to improve transparency, serves as a tool for political manipulation rather than electoral integrity.

Beyond security concerns, Ramesh argues that the ECI has systematically undermined the statutory authority of Electoral Registration Officers in states like Goa and West Bengal. By restricting ERO access and overriding local officials, the commission allegedly violated the Representation of the People Act, 1950. While the ECI announced a review committee headed by a Senior Deputy Election Commissioner to address these compliance issues, Ramesh dismissed the effort as damage control, confirming that the INDIA bloc intends to mobilize civil society to demand accountability for these constitutional breaches.