Congress to launch national movement against electoral irregularities
New Delhi: The Congress Working Committee (CWC) has alleged that the integrity of the electoral process in India has been "severely compromised" due to the partisan functioning of the Election Commission (EC). During a meeting held at the AICC headquarters on November 29, 2024, the CWC adopted a resolution to launch a national movement to address public concerns regarding the fairness of elections.
The resolution asserted that "free and fair elections," a constitutional mandate, are under threat. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, in his opening remarks, criticised electronic voting machines (EVMs), suggesting they have made the election process "suspect." He emphasised the need for "tough decisions" to address internal weaknesses and factionalism within the party.
Veteran leader Digvijaya Singh raised concerns about EVMs, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra proposed reverting to ballot papers. Abhishek Singhvi advocated for 100% Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) implementation. Rahul Gandhi urged party members to adopt a firm stand on issues like EVMs, inflation, unemployment, and allegations against the Adani Group.
Additionally, the CWC announced the formation of internal committees to analyse the party's recent electoral setbacks. Leaders like Ajay Maken and Ramesh Chennithala took responsibility for the party's poor performance in Haryana and Maharashtra, respectively.
Addressing factionalism, Kharge stated that internal disputes and public statements against fellow leaders had significantly weakened the party. He emphasised the need for a unified front and micro-level communication to counter misinformation campaigns by political rivals.
He also pointed out that national issues alone are insufficient to win state elections, calling for a stronger organisational structure and timely decision-making. "Our preparation must be robust from the beginning until the counting of votes," he remarked.
The party announced an extended CWC meeting in Belagavi, Karnataka, to commemorate the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi becoming Congress president. The resolution reaffirmed the Congress’ commitment to addressing issues like unemployment, inflation, and economic inequality.
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Vijay unable to prove majority, not invited for CM oath ceremony: Sources
Chennai: Actor-politician Vijay has reportedly not been invited to take oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after failing to demonstrate support from the required number of MLAs, sources in Raj Bhavan said.
According to media reports that quoted sources in the office of R.N. Ravi Arlekar, Vijay could not prove the backing of 118 legislators, the majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Despite last-minute efforts to secure support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazagam (AMMK), and an IUML legislator, Vijay reportedly managed support from only 116 MLAs, falling short by two members.
Sources said Vijay failed to submit letters of support from the VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
Later, the IUML issued a statement clarifying that it was not part of the TVK-led alliance.
Meanwhile, AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran is also said to have informed the Governor that his party would support the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) instead.
Earlier in the evening, Vijay had met Governor Arlekar and staked claim to form the government, stating that he enjoyed the support of 118 MLAs.
