EC Meeting on Voter ID-Aadhaar Linkage Amid Allegations

In response to Opposition claims of irregularities in electoral rolls, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has called for a meeting with the Union home secretary and legislative secretary to discuss linking voter ID with Aadhaar. Officials say this is part of the Election Commission’s efforts to address long-pending issues.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the EC of manipulating voter lists in favor of the BJP, citing duplicate voter ID numbers. Rahul Gandhi echoed similar concerns in Parliament. The TMC dismissed the meeting as a “face-saving measure” after raising concerns about Aadhaar cloning and fraudulent voter registrations.

SC to Hear Plea on Debarring Candidates with Criminal Charges

The Supreme Court will hear a petition seeking to bar candidates with serious criminal charges from contesting elections. The plea, filed by advocate Ashwani Kumar Dubey, highlights inaction by the Centre and EC despite recommendations from the Law Commission and past court directives.

The SC will also review its earlier stay on the Lokpal’s order allowing complaints against sitting high court judges, citing concerns over judicial independence.

Congress Leadership Gears Up for AICC Session

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi will meet party general secretaries and state in-charges ahead of the April AICC session in Ahmedabad. The agenda includes filling vacant district-level positions and discussing key national issues such as delimitation, the three-language policy, and US trade tariffs.

Separately, Punjab Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel will meet party leaders in Delhi to strategize against the AAP government amid reports of an “exodus” from the party.

Delhi MLAs Orientation & Health MoU

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate a two-day orientation session for newly elected Delhi MLAs, covering legislative practices and parliamentary procedures. The Delhi Assembly consists of 48 BJP and 22 AAP members.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government and the Union Health Ministry are expected to sign an MoU to implement the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission in the national capital.