The Congress party has strongly condemned the Election Commission’s notice to senior spokesperson Pawan Khera, calling it a politically motivated move aimed at silencing dissent. The notice, issued by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of New Delhi constituency, alleges that Khera is registered as a voter in two separate constituencies—an act that violates electoral norms under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
The EC’s action comes days after BJP leaders accused Khera of holding dual voter IDs, one in Delhi and another in Assam. Congress leaders have dismissed the allegations as baseless and retaliatory, claiming that the notice is part of a larger campaign to target opposition voices ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“This is not about voter IDs. It’s about vendetta politics. The EC is being weaponized to intimidate those who question the ruling regime,” said Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh during a press briefing.
🧭 Timeline of Events Leading to EC Notice
| Date | Event Description | Outcome / Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2025 | BJP alleges dual voter registration by Pawan Khera | Complaint filed with EC |
| Sept 5, 2025 | EC issues notice to Khera under Rule 26 of RPA | Asked to respond by Sept 12 |
| Sept 10, 2025 | Congress terms notice “political vendetta” | Party demands withdrawal of notice |
| Sept 12, 2025 | Khera expected to submit formal reply | Legal team prepares documentation |
The EC has also issued a separate notice to Khera’s wife, citing similar allegations of dual registration.
🔍 Allegations and Legal Framework
| Allegation | Description | Legal Provision Invoked |
|---|---|---|
| Dual Voter Registration | Khera allegedly registered in Delhi and Assam | Rule 26 of Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 |
| Violation of RPA | Holding two EPICs violates Section 17 of RPA | Disqualification from voting in both seats |
| EC Notice | Show-cause notice issued by ERO, New Delhi | Response deadline: Sept 12 |
| Congress Response | Claims deletion request was already submitted | Accuses EC of selective enforcement |
Congress leaders argue that the deletion request from one constituency was filed months ago but not acted upon by the EC.
📉 Political Fallout and Reactions
| Stakeholder | Reaction / Statement |
|---|---|
| Congress Party | Calls EC notice “retaliatory and biased” |
| BJP | Demands criminal investigation into voter fraud |
| EC Officials | Maintain procedural neutrality |
| Civil Society | Concern over politicization of electoral process |
| Legal Experts | Mixed views on procedural lapses and timing |
The controversy has sparked a wider debate on the independence of constitutional bodies and the misuse of administrative tools for political gain.
🔥 Congress’s Counter-Allegations Against EC
- Selective Targeting: Congress claims that similar cases involving BJP leaders have been ignored.
- Timing of Notice: Issued just ahead of key Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Bihar.
- Lack of Due Process: Alleged failure to act on deletion requests submitted months earlier.
- Violation of Natural Justice: No prior inquiry or verification before issuing notice.
- Chilling Effect: Intended to deter outspoken critics of the government.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate stated, “This is yet another example of how the EC functions to support the ruling regime”.
🧠 Expert Commentary on Electoral Integrity
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Meera Iyer | Election Law Analyst | “The EC must ensure procedural fairness, especially in politically sensitive cases.” |
| Rajiv Bansal | Constitutional Lawyer | “Dual registration is a violation, but enforcement must be uniform and timely.” |
| Dr. Rakesh Sinha | Historian of Indian Democracy | “The credibility of electoral institutions hinges on their impartiality.” |
Experts emphasize the need for transparency and consistency in the EC’s actions to maintain public trust.
📦 Voter Registration Snapshot: Legal and Procedural Norms
| Provision / Rule | Description | Applicability in Khera Case |
|---|---|---|
| Section 17, RPA 1950 | No person shall be registered in more than one constituency | Alleged violation by dual EPICs |
| Rule 26, Registration Rules | Procedure for deletion of duplicate entries | Khera claims deletion request was filed |
| Section 31, RPA 1950 | Penalty for false declaration | BJP demands criminal action |
| EC Guidelines | Verification and inquiry before notice issuance | Congress alleges procedural lapse |
The EC has not yet clarified whether it conducted a verification before issuing the notice.
📅 Upcoming Legal and Political Milestones
| Event | Date | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Khera’s Reply Submission | Sept 12, 2025 | May determine further legal action |
| EC Review of Response | Sept 15, 2025 | Decision on withdrawal or escalation |
| Maharashtra Assembly Polls | Oct 2025 | Political backdrop to controversy |
| Bihar Assembly Polls | Nov 2025 | High-stakes elections for both parties |
The outcome of the EC’s review could influence campaign narratives and voter sentiment in upcoming elections.
📌 Conclusion
The Election Commission’s notice to Congress leader Pawan Khera over alleged dual voter registration has ignited a political firestorm, with the opposition accusing the poll body of acting out of vendetta. As legal arguments unfold and deadlines approach, the case underscores the delicate balance between electoral integrity and political neutrality. Whether the EC upholds its notice or retracts it, the controversy has already cast a spotlight on the need for transparent and unbiased enforcement of electoral laws.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, legal filings, and expert commentary as of September 12, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
