The Election Commission has introduced a new electronic signature feature on its ECINet portal and app to make voter-related digital services more secure.
Under the new rule, voters must verify their identity through their Aadhaar-linked mobile number before registering, correcting, or deleting their name from the voter list.
This step comes after opposition leader Rahul Gandhi raised concerns about possible voter list manipulation.
ECI’s move follows Rahul Gandhi’s allegations
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently claimed that nearly 6,000 names were illegally deleted from the voter list in Karnataka’s Aland constituency using software and impersonation.
In response, the Election Commission clarified that no name can be removed from the list without notice and an opportunity for the voter to be heard.
How the new ‘e-sign’ system works
Sources in the EC said the ‘e-sign’ feature was introduced in early August.
Earlier, people could apply through Form 6 (for addition) or Form 7 (for deletion) using just a phone number linked to their EPIC (Elector Photo Identity Card).
Now, after submitting details, applicants are redirected to an external ‘e-Sign’ portal managed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC).
Here, they must authenticate their Aadhaar using an OTP sent to their Aadhaar-linked phone number. After verification, they return to the EC’s portal to complete the process.
ECI rejects 5,994 deletion requests
Answering Rahul Gandhi’s allegations, the Election Commission revealed that over 6,000 deletion applications were filed in Aland.
However, after checks, only 24 were approved as valid, while 5,994 were rejected. The EC has also filed an FIR to investigate these suspicious requests.
As per the Registration of Voters Rules, 1960, no voter’s name can be removed without proper notice and a chance to respond.
