Election Commission faces internal scrutiny over alleged procedural rifts

The controversy stems from allegations that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi frequently dissented against orders issued without their direct input. Critics, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, have characterized these procedural frictions as an assault on the Constitution, suggesting that electoral rolls were manipulated to favor the ruling party. Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other opposition figures have called for a court-monitored investigation into the commission’s internal decision-making.

In response, the Election Commission asserted that its operations remain consistent with Article 324 of the Constitution. Officials described the written observations and technical suggestions as standard administrative practice, intended to ensure legal compliance. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra defended the body, arguing that the existence of internal correspondence is evidence of democratic debate rather than dictatorial control. He maintained that the final outcomes, including the Special Intensive Revision process, were ultimately achieved with the unanimous consent of all three commissioners. Former Election Commissioner Om Prakash Rawat suggested that the institution should address the public directly to clarify the nature of these internal disputes and restore confidence in the electoral process.