Congress forms EAGLE panel ahead of Delhi polls: What is it and why is it formed? Explained

The EAGLE committee has been set up to observe elections closely and report its findings directly to Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress party has established an eight-member Empowered Action Group of Leaders and Experts (EAGLE) to maintain a vigilant oversight of elections in India and ensure the Election Commission of India (ECI) upholds the integrity of the electoral process. The initiative follows the party’s allegations of electoral malpractices in the Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly elections last year.

Formation and objectives of EAGLE

The EAGLE committee has been set up to observe elections closely and report its findings directly to Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. The committee’s immediate focus will be on monitoring the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections, along with investigating alleged irregularities in Maharashtra’s voter lists.

The panel includes prominent Congress leaders such as party treasurer Ajay Maken, senior politicians Digvijaya Singh and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, data analytics expert Praveen Chakravarty, communications head Pawan Khera, Gurdeep Singh Sappal, Nitin Raut and Challa Vamshi Chand Reddy.

Speaking about the committee’s purpose, a senior Congress leader told Indian Express, “Though it is the constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission to conduct free and fair elections, we have witnessed significant discrepancies in recent polls. Our committee aims to scrutinise electoral processes and hold the EC accountable.”

What are Congress’ allegations against the EC?

The Congress has been vocal about alleged electoral manipulation, particularly regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and voter list irregularities. Following its defeat in the Haryana Assembly elections, the party refused to accept the verdict, alleging tampering with EVMs. At the time, Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh stated, “The result does not align with the ground reality or the public sentiment for change. Under these circumstances, we cannot accept the announced results. We will bring these concerns to the EC’s attention.”

Similarly, in Maharashtra, the Congress raised concerns over a shocking 13% increase in the voter list between the Lok Sabha elections and the Assembly polls. On November 29, just days after the results were declared, a party delegation met with EC officials, demanding transparency regarding the additional 39 lakh voters registered.

How did EC respond to the allegations?

In response, the EC clarified on December 24 that between the parliamentary and Assembly elections in Maharashtra, 48,81,620 new voters were added, while 8,00,391 names were deleted—resulting in a net increase of 40,81,229 voters. The EC attributed this rise to amendments in the Representation of the People Act, which now allows voter registration on four different qualifying dates—January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. Additionally, the Commission specified that 8,72,094 voters were in the 18-19 age group, while 17,74,514 fell within the 20-29 age bracket.

However, the EC’s explanation has not convinced the Congress. At the inauguration of the new Congress headquarters on January 15, Rahul Gandhi reiterated his skepticism and said “something irregular has taken place in the Maharashtra Assembly election”. Gandhi further added that there is a serious issue with the electoral system, and the “EC is not being transparent about the one-crore increase in voter numbers between the two elections”.

Implications of EAGLE’s formation

With the establishment of EAGLE, the Congress is making a strategic attempt to bolster its oversight on electoral processes. The panel’s primary focus will be on data analysis, voter list verification and potential irregularities in polling.

While the EC has maintained that its processes adhere to the law, the Congress’ decision to form EAGLE reflects on a growing distrust in the electoral machinery.