Congress to Hold CWC Meet on Tuesday to Chalk Out Strategy for CEC's Ouster

Congress CWC to Meet on September 29

The Congress Working Committee, the party's highest decision-making body, is scheduled to meet in New Delhi on Tuesday, September 29, to discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has called the meeting to discuss the party's response to the Election Commission controversy and prepare a roadmap for seeking Kumar's removal.

CEC's Removal to Be a Key Agenda

The principal issue before the CWC is expected to be the Congress campaign seeking Kumar's removal.

Kharge said CWC members would discuss the issue and provide their suggestions. Congress leaders have also indicated that the party intends to increase political pressure over the matter.

SIR Controversy at the Centre

The meeting comes amid a political dispute over the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Congress has raised concerns about reported internal objections by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi regarding aspects of the SIR process. Reports have referred to objections concerning voter-list additions and deletions, Form 6 applications and centralised management of electoral-roll data.

These reported objections have become a major point of contention between the Congress and the Election Commission.

Congress Raises Voter Enrolment Concerns

Congress has questioned changes and procedures associated with Form 6, which is used for applications relating to inclusion of names in electoral rolls.

The party has also alleged that young voters, including members of Gen Z, could face exclusion during the SIR process. These are political allegations by Congress and are disputed by the Election Commission.

Election Commission's Response

The Election Commission has rejected the interpretation that reported differences during deliberations indicate a breakdown in decision-making.

The poll panel has said that differing views and observations are normal within institutions and that its orders have legal sanction and follow established statutory procedures. The ECI also said that SIR orders received unanimous consent from all three Election Commissioners.

INDIA Bloc to Discuss Joint Strategy

The Congress meeting is expected to be followed by a broader Opposition meeting on September 30.

The INDIA bloc is expected to discuss a joint strategy concerning the Election Commission and the proposed removal motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Opposition parties are also expected to consider collecting signatures for another removal notice in Parliament.

Rahul Gandhi and Senior Leaders Likely to Attend

The CWC meeting is expected to include senior Congress leaders such as former party president Rahul Gandhi and general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh and KC Venugopal.

The meeting will allow the party's senior leadership to discuss both its response to the CEC controversy and preparations for upcoming elections.

Congress Plans to Increase Pressure

Congress leaders have indicated that the party intends to intensify its campaign over the Election Commission issue.

Kharge has said the party will pursue the matter seriously and has called for action against Kumar. These statements represent the Congress's political position and do not constitute an established finding against the CEC.

Upcoming Elections Also on Agenda

Apart from the CEC controversy, preparations for upcoming elections are also expected to be discussed at the CWC meeting.

The Congress is likely to examine its organisational and political strategy as it prepares for the next round of electoral contests while continuing its campaign over the SIR issue.

Key Takeaways

• The Congress Working Committee will meet on September 29, 2026.

• The meeting will focus on the party's strategy seeking the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

• The SIR electoral-roll revision controversy is expected to be a major issue.

• Congress has raised concerns about reported objections by two Election Commissioners.

• The Election Commission says differences during deliberations are normal and that SIR orders received unanimous approval.

• Senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, are expected to attend.

• The Opposition INDIA bloc is also expected to meet on September 30 to discuss a joint strategy.

• Preparations for upcoming elections are also likely to be discussed by the CWC.