INDIA Bloc Alleges Electoral Manipulation, Seeks Judicial Intervention in Letter to CJI

The INDIA bloc, a coalition of 23 Opposition parties and one Independent MP, on Friday released the full text of a letter addressed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The letter warns that if the judiciary fails to respond to these concerns, it could signal a breakdown of the Republic.

The six-page letter, signed by top Opposition leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, and Akhilesh Yadav, states that the coalition chose this unusual method of communication due to the gravity of the situation. 'Given the fact that our democracy is in jeopardy, we have chosen this unusual path,' the letter reads.

The Opposition bloc urged the judiciary to reflect on the issues raised, emphasising that citizens place their trust in the courts when other mechanisms fail. 'When the judiciary fails to respond, it indicates a complete breakdown of the Republic. Democracies turn into anarchies when institutional mechanisms fail completely,' the letter states.

The letter specifically criticises the Election Commission of India (ECI), particularly Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, for what it describes as biased conduct. It alleges that the ECI has shown open support for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while targeting opposition parties for breaches of the Model Code of Conduct.

The Opposition also raised concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, calling it 'ill-timed and a monumental disaster.' The letter claims that the process, which involves verifying voters through documentation, has led to disenfranchisement and is politically motivated.

Additionally, the letter questions the reliability of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and expresses doubts about the fairness of upcoming Assembly elections in several states.

The signatories include Leaders of Opposition in both Houses of Parliament, as well as leaders from parties that have previously distanced themselves from the INDIA bloc, such as the AAP and DMK.

The letter concludes by appealing to the judiciary to uphold democratic principles and ensure that the electoral process reflects the will of the people.