Opposition Leaders Submit Joint Memorandum to CJI, Allege Electoral Manipulation and Erosion of ECI Independence
A coalition of 24 Opposition parties, including independent MP Kapil Sibal, has submitted a joint memorandum to Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, expressing concerns over the state of democracy and the conduct of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The letter, dated June 28 and released to the media on Friday, alleges that recently held elections in Delhi, Haryana, and Maharashtra were manipulated, and that the ECI has acted in a partisan manner under the current government.
The Opposition leaders stated that they were taking the unusual step of approaching the judiciary because they believe democratic institutions are under strain. They highlighted the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal and Bihar as a major concern, accusing the ECI of arbitrary removal of voters and lack of transparency. The letter noted that nearly 25 lakh voters were excluded in West Bengal under a “never used before category,” and questioned the justification of the SIR based on alleged infiltration of Bangladeshis, for which no data has been made public.
Regarding the ECI’s independence, the memorandum argued that appointments made since 2014 have been of persons “closely associated with” the government, eroding the Commission's neutrality. It referenced the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Anoop Baranwal case, which raised concerns about the appointment process, and criticised subsequent legislative changes that removed the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee for the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
The Opposition specifically accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of biased conduct, alleging open support for the ruling party during electoral processes. They also claimed that the ECI failed to enforce the Model Code of Code of Conduct evenly, targeting Opposition parties while overlooking violations by the party in power.
The letter further highlighted the deployment of 2.4 lakh Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel in West Bengal, comparing it to 3.5 lakh CAPF deployed for the entire 2024 Lok Sabha election. The Opposition called for the immediate suspension of the SIR, arguing that such a comprehensive revision should only occur when the next assembly election is at least five years away, allowing for thorough door-to-door verification.
The memorandum, signed by leaders from 24 parties, concludes with a plea to the Chief Justice to intervene and uphold the integrity of the electoral process. The ECI has not yet responded to the allegations.
