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2026-09-23 13:30 UTC → 2026-09-23 14:44 UTC ·
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A controversy has emerged regarding the The Election Commission of India (ECI) remains under intense scrutiny following reports of internal dissent concerning regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Investigative reports allege Allegations persist that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi filed at least 14 formal objections over a 10-month period, with some actions reportedly described as ‘unauthorised period concerning voter registration, the deletion and illegal.’ restoration of names, and changes to Form-6. Opposition leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Kapil Sibal, and Uddhav Thackeray, Mamata Banerjee, have demanded the removal or arrest of criticized Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Critics have Kumar, with some calling for his suspension or arrest. Kharge characterized the leadership reported internal objections as a ‘one-man autocracy’ sign of ‘arbitrary conduct’ within a constitutional body. Further criticism has come from Jharkhand Rural Development Minister Deepika Pandey Singh, who suggested that ‘organized vote theft’ is occurring and raised concerns over described the situation as a ‘betrayal of the constitution and democracy.’ Critics allege ‘vote theft,’ specifically citing theft’ involving the removal of approximately 138 million names from voter lists across 31 states and union territories. Allegations include territories, alongside the misuse of Form-6 and improper software applications. The Election Commission ECI has officially denied these claims of internal disagreement, stating maintaining that all decisions were unanimous and made with the approval of the full Commission. The ECI maintained that differing observations are a standard part of the deliberation process within a multi-member constitutional body. Adding to the scrutiny, process. Concurrently, the Supreme Court of India has issued a split verdict regarding the constitutional validity of the 2023 law governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner CEC and Election Commissioners. This law replaced a selection panel that included the Chief Justice of India with a committee consisting of the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of Opposition. The matter has been referred to the Chief Justice of India to determine if a larger Constitution Bench is required to resolve the legal challenge.