‘Lotus Has Become Loot-us’: Congress Attacks CEC Over Gen Z Voter Roll Delay

The Congress on Saturday accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of conspiring to keep Gen Z and first-time voters off electoral rolls, alleging that the annual Special Summary Revision (SSR) process has been kept on hold since January 2024.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said legal opinion and past precedent make the annual SSR essential for ensuring that newly eligible voters are included in the formal electoral rolls.

In a post on X, Ramesh alleged that the regular and timely conduct of SSR is crucial for enabling first-time voters to exercise their franchise, but claimed that the process has been “frozen” since January 2024.

He said one explanation being offered for the delay was that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise was underway in 19 states and Union Territories.

“However, this leaves 16 states and UTs where the SSR has been frozen for no reason,” Ramesh alleged, claiming that the delay could result in the exclusion of young voters from electoral rolls.

The Congress leader also raised concerns over states scheduled to go to polls in early 2027, warning that Gen Z voters could face difficulties in exercising their franchise if their names are not included in updated electoral rolls.

He specifically mentioned Uttar Pradesh and Goa, where he claimed the SIR process had already been completed but fresh electoral rolls had not yet been published.

Ramesh further alleged that the delay could have significant implications for young citizens seeking to vote for the first time.

Taking a political swipe at the BJP, he said, “Clearly Gen Z knows Lotus has become Loot-us,” referring to the party’s election symbol.

The Congress's allegations come amid an ongoing debate over electoral-roll revision and the Election Commission's revision exercises ahead of several state elections.

The Election Commission and the BJP were not quoted responding to the allegations in the report.