'One PM Gave Gen Z Vote, the Other Determined to Snatch It': Congress Targets Modi

Congress Targets PM Modi Over Gen Z Voting Rights

Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh on Friday, September 25, 2026, targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the reported delay in the annual revision of electoral rolls.

Ramesh contrasted Modi with former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and used the issue of young voters to criticise the government's handling of electoral-roll revisions.

Jairam Ramesh Recalls Rajiv Gandhi's 1988 Reform

Ramesh referred to the constitutional amendment passed by Parliament in December 1988 that reduced India's minimum voting age from 21 to 18 years.

He described the move, associated with Rajiv Gandhi's government, as an important step in giving young Indians voting rights. Ramesh used the reform as the basis for his comparison between the two Prime Ministers.

Congress Alleges Delay in Electoral Roll Revision

Ramesh alleged that the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls has not resumed since the 2024 cycle.

According to the Congress, the annual revision is an important mechanism for adding newly eligible voters, including people who have recently turned 18. The party has argued that the reported delay could affect the enrolment of Gen Z voters.

'One PM Gave Gen Z the Vote'

Ramesh framed the issue as a contrast between two Prime Ministers.

He said one Prime Minister had empowered young voters by lowering the voting age, while accusing the other of attempting to prevent Gen Z voters from being added to electoral rolls. His statement was a political allegation made on behalf of the Congress.

Congress Links Issue to SIR Controversy

The latest remarks come amid the wider controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Congress has alleged that Gen Z voters are particularly vulnerable to exclusion and has demanded action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The party has also criticised the Election Commission over its handling of voter registration and electoral-roll management.

Reports of Objections Within Election Commission

The controversy intensified following reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on at least 14 occasions over a period of around 10 months.

The reported objections covered issues including changes to Form 6, voter additions and deletions, and centralised control of electoral-roll data. These reports have been cited by Opposition leaders in questioning the functioning of the Election Commission.

Election Commission Gives Its Response

The Election Commission has rejected suggestions that the reported differences represent an institutional breakdown.

The poll panel said that differing views, observations and suggestions are part of normal deliberations within an institution. It has also maintained that its orders have legal backing and follow established statutory procedures, and that SIR-related decisions were taken unanimously.

Congress Demands Accountability

Congress has continued to demand the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over the broader SIR controversy.

The party has also accused the Modi government and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of being responsible for what Congress describes as attempts to prevent eligible young voters from being enrolled. These are political allegations by Congress and have not been established as findings by an independent authority.

Wider Debate Over Gen Z Enrolment

The dispute has brought renewed attention to the process through which newly eligible voters are added to electoral rolls.

The annual revision process, Form 6 applications and the ongoing SIR exercise have become central issues in the political debate. The Election Commission maintains that voter registration is governed by statutory procedures and is handled by Electoral Registration Officers and other officials under the law.

Key Takeaways

• Congress leader Jairam Ramesh targeted PM Narendra Modi over electoral-roll revision.

• Ramesh recalled the 1988 constitutional amendment that lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.

• Congress alleged that the delay in Special Summary Revision could affect newly eligible Gen Z voters.

• Ramesh contrasted Rajiv Gandhi's voting-age reform with the current electoral-roll situation.

• The remarks came amid the wider SIR controversy.

• Reports said Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi raised objections on multiple occasions.

• The reported objections included issues involving Form 6, voter additions and deletions and electoral-roll data.

• The Election Commission said differing views are part of normal institutional deliberations.

• Congress has demanded accountability and action against CEC Gyanesh Kumar