Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, October 1, questioned the Election Commission of India (ECI) over changes to the online Form 6 used for fresh voter registration. He asked which official at the poll panel directed Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to make the change and who at the company approved it.
Gandhi also questioned whether TCS faced pressure while implementing the modification. He described the change as illegal and referred to objections that two Election Commissioners reportedly recorded during discussions on electoral-roll procedures.
The issue has added another layer to the ongoing political dispute over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties have raised concerns about voter registration, transparency and the Election Commission’s decision-making process.
Rahul Gandhi Demands Answers From EC and TCS
In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi questioned the chain of responsibility behind the Form 6 modification.
He asked who at the Election Commission instructed TCS to alter the online form. He also sought the name of the person who approved the change within the technology company.
Gandhi further asked whether anyone pressured TCS to carry out the work.
His remarks followed reports about disagreements among Election Commissioners over decisions linked to the SIR exercise. The Congress leader used those reported objections to demand greater accountability from the poll panel.
However, Gandhi’s description of the change as illegal remains his allegation. The Election Commission has maintained that its orders follow statutory procedures and carry legal sanction. <Cite refs={[“turn498868search0″,”turn498868search6”]}/>
What Is Form 6?
Form 6 allows eligible Indian citizens to apply for inclusion in electoral rolls. First-time voters and eligible citizens whose names do not appear on the voter list can use the form to seek registration.
The controversy concerns an additional declaration that reportedly appeared in the online version of Form 6 on the ECINET portal.
The declaration sought information about whether the applicant, their parent or grandparent appeared in the electoral roll prepared during the previous SIR.
The additional requirement raised questions about the legal basis for changing the prescribed form. The issue also drew attention because the online form plays an important role in the voter-registration process. <Cite refs={[“turn498868search3″,”turn498868search11”]}/>
Two Election Commissioners Reportedly Raised Objections
The Form 6 controversy comes amid reports of differences within the Election Commission over the SIR process.
The Indian Express reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi raised objections on record at least 14 times over a period of 10 months. Their objections reportedly concerned decisions and orders that they said the commission issued without their knowledge or recommendation.
The reports brought internal decision-making at the poll panel under public scrutiny.
The Election Commission, however, has said that differing views and observations form a normal part of institutional deliberations. It has also maintained that its orders carry full legal sanction and comply with established statutory procedures. <Cite refs={[“turn498868search0″,”turn498868search9”]}/>
Jairam Ramesh Makes Allegations Against Centre
Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh also criticised the Form 6 change.
In a post on X, Ramesh alleged that the modification began in mid-July 2026 and claimed that it aimed to remove young voters from electoral rolls. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of orchestrating the move.
These remarks represent the Congress leadership’s allegations. The reports did not independently establish the claims about the Centre’s involvement or the alleged motive behind the change. <Cite refs={[“turn498868search1″,”turn498868search2”]}/>
INDIA Bloc Announces Joint Protests
Gandhi’s questions came a day after leaders of 19 opposition parties met to discuss electoral issues and announce a joint campaign.
The INDIA bloc announced plans for marches across districts and five major rallies. It also demanded that future elections use ballot papers and urged the Supreme Court to expedite cases concerning the SIR process and alleged electoral irregularities.
The opposition leaders decided that their MPs would march to the Election Commission on October 6. They also planned to meet President Droupadi Murmu to raise concerns about voter-list revision.
The meeting also discussed the demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Opposition parties said they would continue their campaign over the issue. <Cite refs={[“turn498868search0″,”turn498868search6”]}/>
Form 6 Row Adds to Debate Over Electoral Transparency
The dispute has placed the online voter-registration process at the centre of a wider debate about the Election Commission’s powers and accountability.
For applicants, Form 6 provides an important route to join electoral rolls. Any additional requirement can therefore raise questions about access, legal authority and administrative clarity.
Gandhi’s questions focus on who authorised the modification, who approved its implementation and whether TCS faced pressure. The Election Commission’s response and any clarification from TCS could help establish the decision-making process behind the change.
The controversy also highlights the wider disagreement between opposition parties and the poll panel over the SIR exercise.
As political parties prepare further demonstrations, the Form 6 issue remains part of the debate over voter registration and electoral-roll management in India.