India's Election Commission (ECI) is embroiled in a crisis of credibility following allegations that its chief, Gyanesh Kumar, has made key decisions without the full consensus of his fellow commissioners. The dispute centers on the integrity of the voter database, changes to voter enrollment processes, and the security of electoral rolls.
According to a report in The Indian Express, Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi raised objections on at least 14 occasions over the past ten months, reporting instances where they were not informed of decisions made by Chief Election Commissioner Kumar. The commissioners reportedly communicated their concerns in writing, including a letter to the chief secretary of the Indian government.
These revelations have intensified criticism from opposition parties, who are demanding Kumar's resignation. The ECI, in a statement, acknowledged that "differing views" are a normal part of the institution's decision-making process. However, the statement also noted that highlighting "specific internal notes and observations" while overlooking numerous approvals and initiatives provides an incomplete picture. The commission asserted that approximately 40 new initiatives and electoral reforms, including the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, have been undertaken based on unanimous decisions.
The controversy coincides with the ECI's nationwide revision of the electoral database, known as SIR. The commission states its aim is to remove ineligible names and update the rolls, noting that the last comprehensive revision was conducted nearly 25 years ago. However, the opposition has accused CEC Kumar of manipulating the voter lists to favor Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Both the BJP and the ECI have denied these accusations.
The SIR process itself has been contentious, with 130 million names reportedly removed from the voter rolls. Millions of voters have also complained of their names missing, citing a cumbersome new registration process that requires documentation many do not possess.
Former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi commented that he had always wondered why Commissioners Sandhu and Joshi had remained silent, concluding that they were "protesting quietly" through their notes, which he viewed positively.
Opposition leaders have seized on the internal dispute, amplifying their claims that the election process is no longer free and fair. Rahul Gandhi of the Congress party accused the commission and its officers of "treason" and stated that "vote theft is a crime against the Indian people." Mamata Banerjee, leader of the All India Trinamool Congress, called for Kumar's arrest and demanded fresh elections using the pre-SIR voter list in West Bengal, a state her party lost to the BJP in recent elections. She alleges that the removal of 2.7 million voters in West Bengal during the SIR process cost her party numerous seats.
The BJP has defended Kumar, characterizing the opposition's criticism as a "smear campaign" and suggesting that dissent is indicative of a healthy democracy. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra stated that opposition parties, unable to win elections, are attempting to undermine national institutions.
The Election Commission's defense has been met with skepticism by some analysts, who point out that the commission's statement does not fully address all issues raised in the initial report. Observers suggest that CEC Kumar needs to provide further clarification to maintain the perception of the ECI as an impartial body.