• September 2023:
  • Rahul Gandhi (Leader of Opposition) alleged “electoral fraud” in Aland constituency, Karnataka.
  • Accusation: Around 6,000 online applications for voter deletions were fraudulently filed using misused identities of genuine voters.
  • The phone numbers used for OTP verification did not belong to the actual electors.
  • The Election Commission (EC) conducted verification → Found only 24 applications genuine out of 6,018.
  • An FIR was lodged by EC itself.
• Political Sensitivity: Raised concerns over integrity of electoral rolls, possible targeted voter suppression, and misuse of digital platforms.

Election Commission’s Response

1. Introduction of e-Sign Feature (Sept 2023)
   • Added to ECINet portal/app.
   • Applicants for Form 6 (new registration), Form 7 (deletion), Form 8 (correction) must now use Aadhaar-based verification.
2. Verification Process
   • Applicant enters Aadhaar number on CDAC portal (under Ministry of Electronics & IT).
   • OTP generated on Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
   • Consent-based authentication → redirects back to ECINet to complete form.
   • Name on Aadhaar must match with voter card.
3. Security Strengthening
   • Earlier: Any phone linked with EPIC (Voter ID) could be used (no verification).
   • Now: Only Aadhaar-linked mobile ensures genuine applicant identity.
   • Reduces chances of identity theft & fraudulent deletions.

About ECINet

• Launched 2023 as a unified digital platform.
• Merged 40 earlier apps/portals (including ERONet, 2018).
• Provides services to voters (applications) and officials (processing, verification).
• Involves Booth Level Officer (BLO) and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) for physical verification.

EC’s Clarification

• No vote can be deleted online without:
  • Physical verification by officials.
  • Hearing opportunity to affected voter.
• Aland incident: “Unsuccessful attempts” – deletions were not carried out, except for 24 genuine cases.
• Action taken: FIR filed to probe fraudulent attempts.

Significance & Implications

• Strengthening Electoral Integrity: Prevents large-scale voter roll tampering.
• Use of Technology in Governance: Aadhaar integration ensures robust authentication.
• Checks & Balances: Combines digital convenience with physical verification safeguards.
• Political Impact: Response to opposition charges; reinforces EC’s neutrality.
• UPSC Relevance:
  • Polity & Constitution: Powers and responsibilities of Election Commission.
  • Governance: Use of Aadhaar for service delivery.
  • Ethics/Essay: Electoral transparency, trust in democratic institutions.