Systematic conspiracy: Mallikarjun Kharge slams Centre's election rule change

Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday sharply criticised the central government for amending election rules to restrict access to poll documents, calling it a deliberate conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the Election Commission. “Modi Govt’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,” the Congress chief tweeted. On Friday, based on the recommendation of the Election Commission, the Union law ministry amended the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to prevent public inspection of certain electronic documents such as CCTV camera and webcasting footage as well as video recordings of candidates. Meanwhile, Election Commission officials said that records like CCTV footage, webcasting, and candidate videos during the Model Code of Conduct period are available to candidates, but restricting public access ensures voter secrecy and prevents misuse, though courts remain an avenue for access.