NEW DELHI — The INDIA opposition alliance formally submitted a 12-point electoral reform charter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday, setting out conditions for their active participation in parliamentary proceedings during the current session.
The charter, signed by leaders of 26 opposition parties including Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, and Samajwadi Party, demands sweeping changes to the Election Commission's functioning, ballot paper verification procedures, and campaign finance disclosures.
Key Demands
Among the most significant demands is a call for the appointment process of Election Commissioners to be made independent of the ruling government, with a collegium-style system involving the Chief Justice of India and the Leader of Opposition.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, speaking after submitting the charter, said the opposition was not seeking confrontation but transparency. "Free and fair elections are the bedrock of our democracy. We are asking for nothing more than what the Constitution envisions," he said.