Assam Congress President and Lok Sabha Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi on Saturday questioned the neutrality of the Election Commission (EC) and demanded a thorough discussion on voter list revisions in Parliament. Speaking at the Extended Executive Meeting of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) in Guwahati, Gogoi alleged that the EC’s functioning has raised serious doubts among the public and accused the BJP-led Centre of avoiding accountability. Addressing reporters before the closed-door session, Gogoi said, “Today, there is a big question mark in the minds of citizens regarding the impartiality of the Election Commission. This is precisely why we want a discussion in Parliament. If the government has nothing to hide, why is it refusing to allow a debate?”
He pointed out that although the EC is an independent body, its Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the Prime Minister and hence cannot be completely separated from government responsibility. Gogoi also expressed concern over the ongoing revision of the voter list in Bihar, highlighting that similar exercises must be transparent across the country.“We have seen cases where citizens visit polling booths only to find their names missing. The voter list affects fundamental rights. People deserve to know the status of their voting rights and polling stations,” Gogoi added. He further criticized the Union government’s claim that the matter cannot be discussed in Parliament because the EC does not fall under any ministry. Calling this justification “absurd,” Gogoi questioned the government’s motives and hinted at possible irregularities in previous elections, including the Lok Sabha and state polls.
Gogoi also took aim at Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where several security personnel lost their lives. Referring to the Centre’s Operation Sindoor response, Gogoi said, “The Home Minister did not even show basic respect to those who died in the attack. This was clearly a failure of intelligence agencies under his ministry, but there was no apology, no responsibility. This shows their true attitude.”The Congress leader’s remarks came just ahead of a crucial strategy session where the APCC is set to discuss its plan for the upcoming 2026 Assam Assembly elections, likely to be held in March-April next year. According to party officials, the meeting will adopt two resolutions — one political and one economic — tailored to counter the ruling BJP in the forthcoming polls. The event saw the participation of all Congress MPs, MLAs, and senior leaders from across the state.