Communication between CEC, ECs shows functioning democracy: BJP
The party rejects Opposition’s charge against SIR process, says Supreme Court had upheld its legal validity multiple times
On September 23, 2026, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) asserted that the communication between the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners demonstrated the functioning of a democratic system, countering allegations of internal dissent from opposition parties. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra accused the Congress and other opposition parties of continually trying to undermine confidence in constitutional institutions after being rejected by voters in democratic elections.
He alleged that the Congress had been involved in multiple controversies regarding the independence and impartiality of the Election Commission of India (ECI) during its past rule. During a press conference, Patra highlighted that the communication between the Election Commissioners, despite formal objections recorded 14 times over 10 months, indicated a democratic process of deliberation and consensus.
He pointed out that if there was no communication or consultation, opposition parties would allege 'dictatorship.' Patra also defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, stating it had legal validity upheld by the Supreme Court. He cited instances where the ruling Trinamool Congress won Assembly seats in West Bengal with a majority of deleted voters, while the Congress and BJP won fewer seats.
Patra asserted that the birth of political manipulation and scams started with the Congress, citing the subsequent careers and honors of former Election Commissioners like K.V.K. Sundaram, V.S. Ramadevi, T.N. Seshan, and M.S. Gill, who later joined the Congress. He also mentioned past CECs like J.M. Lyngdoh and N. Gopalaswami, and Navin Chawla, who oversaw the 2009 Lok Sabha polls.
Patra further noted that the current CEC Gyanesh Kumar took office in February 2025, and prior to 2023, Prime Ministers appointed Election Commissioners at their discretion. In March 2023, the Supreme Court mandated the President to appoint the CEC and Election Commissioners based on a three-member committee's advice, comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India.
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