The Congress on Saturday slammed the Election Commission of India (ECI) for altering certain regulations concerning electronic documents, including the inspection of CCTV footage, webcasting recordings, and candidates’ video clips. The party claimed these rule changes reflect “the rapidly eroding integrity of the electoral process overseen by the Election Commission.”

The Congress also accused the election authority of compromising transparency in the electoral process.

In a post on X, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “If there was ever a vindication of our claims regarding the rapidly declining integrity of the electoral process managed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in recent times, this is it.” He referred to a notification issued on December 20 and stated, “We will legally challenge this decision by the ECI immediately.” He further questioned, “Why is the ECI so afraid of transparency?”

According to reports, the government has revised an election rule to restrict public inspection of specific electronic documents, including CCTV footage, webcasting recordings, and video clips of candidates, to prevent potential misuse. Following a recommendation from the Election Commission, the Union law ministry amended Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to limit the types of “papers” or documents available for public inspection.

As per Rule 93, all “papers” related to elections should be open for public viewing. The amendment, however, adds “as specified in these rules” after “papers.” Officials from the law ministry and the EC clarified that this amendment was prompted by a court case.

While documents like nomination forms, election agent appointments, results, and election financial statements are specified in the Conduct of Election Rules, electronic documents such as CCTV footage, webcasting recordings, and candidates’ videos during the Model Code of Conduct are not included.

An EC official informed PTI, “There have been cases where such electronic records were requested under these rules. The amendment ensures that only the documents specified are available for public inspection, and any documents not referenced in the rules cannot be inspected.”

EC officials expressed concerns that misuse of CCTV footage from polling booths could jeopardize voter confidentiality. They also noted that such footage could be manipulated to create misleading narratives using artificial intelligence.

“All such materials, including footage, will remain accessible to candidates even after the amendment. However, individuals can still approach the courts to request access to these electronic records,” another EC official stated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged everyone to experience Gujarat’s Kutch during the ongoing Rann Utsav, emphasising that it will be an unforgettable journey.

“Kutch is calling! Come explore the stunning White Rann, its rich culture, and the warm hospitality of the Kutch community during the Rann Utsav,” the Prime Minister expressed in a post on X. This festival, which runs until March 2025, promises to be a memorable event.

Kutch is renowned for its vibrant culture, unique wildlife sanctuary, and expansive salt desert. In a more detailed LinkedIn post, PM Modi described the vast salt desert shimmering under the moonlight, offering a unique and surreal experience. He also highlighted the region’s flourishing arts and crafts.

Most importantly, he noted that Kutch is home to incredibly welcoming people who take pride in their heritage and are eager to connect with visitors. In his post, PM Modi extended a “personal invitation” to dynamic professionals and their families to visit Kutch and immerse themselves in the Rann Utsav.

The festivities began on December 1 and will continue until February 28, while the Rann Utsav tent city will remain open until the end of March. PM Modi assured his audience that Rann Utsav will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He mentioned that for those seeking rest and relaxation, Kutch is the perfect destination, while those interested in exploring history and culture will find plenty to discover.

“Engage with our ancient heritage by visiting Dholavira, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience nature at the Vijay Vilas Palace or Kala Dungar. The ‘Road to Heaven’, nestled among white salt flats, is one of the most breathtaking roads in India,” PM Modi listed, highlighting various attractions.

He also commended the craftsmanship of Kutchi artisans. The Prime Minister pointed out that Smriti Van, a tribute to the victims of the 2001 earthquake, has been recognized as “the world’s most beautiful museum,” receiving the Prix Versailles 2024 World Title for “Interiors” from UNESCO.

“This museum exemplifies how the human spirit can adapt and flourish even in the face of adversity,” he stated. Kutch had previously been overlooked and faced numerous challenges, being bordered by the Registan Desert on one side and Pakistan on the other.

PM Modi took over as Gujarat’s Chief Minister shortly after the earthquake and remained in that role until becoming Prime Minister in 2014. He recalled that Kutch experienced a devastating super cyclone in 1999 and celebrated the remarkable transformation of the region in the 21st century, describing it as an unprecedented turnaround in history.

“Together, we worked towards the comprehensive development of Kutch, focusing on disaster-resistant infrastructure and creating livelihoods that retained the local youth, enabling them to find work without leaving their homes,” he explained. Once a land of perpetual drought, Kutch has now gained recognition for its agriculture, with its fruits, including mangoes, reaching international markets.

“In 2005, the Rann Utsav was established to realize the untapped tourism potential of Kutch, and it has since evolved into a vibrant tourism hub,” he continued. Rann Utsav has also garnered multiple awards both domestically and internationally.

Dhordo, the village that hosts the annual Rann Utsav celebrations, was honored as the 2023 Best Tourism Village by the United Nations World Tourism Organization for its commitment to cultural preservation, sustainable tourism, and rural development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met a 101-year-old former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer in Kuwait, after a request made by his granddaughter on the social media platform X.

Just hours before his scheduled arrival in Kuwait, PM Modi saw a message from Mangal Sain Handa’s granddaughter, urging him to meet her grandfather. In her post, she wrote, “Humble request to Hon’ble PM @narendramodi to meet my 101-year-old Nanaji, ex-IFS officer, in Kuwait during tomorrow’s interaction with the Indian Diaspora. Nana @MangalSainHanda is a great admirer of yours.”

Upon arrival, PM Modi met with the former IFS officer alongside other members of the Indian community. Mangal Sain Handa’s son, Dilip Handa, expressed his gratitude, telling ANI, “This is an experience of a lifetime. PM Modi said he especially came here to meet him (my father). We are grateful to Prime Minister Modi.”

This visit marks the first time in 43 years that an Indian Prime Minister has travelled to Kuwait, with the last visit being by Indira Gandhi in 1981, according to reports. The Indian diaspora in Kuwait is notably large, comprising 21% (approximately 1 million) of the country’s total population, and Indian workers make up 30% of the workforce there (around 900,000).

This significant visit was made at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and marked the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years.

PM Modi’s trip comes shortly after recent political developments in the region, including the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and ongoing tensions due to the Israeli offensive in Gaza. During his stay, he plans to hold talks with key Kuwaiti officials and meet with the Indian community.

In his departure statement, PM Modi emphasised the importance of his discussions with the Kuwaiti leadership, highlighting them as a chance to establish a roadmap for a future-oriented partnership between India and Kuwait.