After union minister Chirag Paswan, other leaders of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have urged the Election Commission of India to issue a clarification on reports of dissent within the poll body, particularly regarding the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) exercise.
“In this case, there is an independent democratic institution – the Election Commission. “The matter needs to be addressed.
LJP(RV) chief Chirag Paswan said that being a part of the Union government, he would “not defend anyone”. But if such questions are being raised on the ECI, then it is their responsibility, specifically the Chief Election Commissioner’s, that they put forward their stance strongly,” Paswan told reporters, according to PTI news agency. The Union minister said that the Opposition’s remarks “did not affect him”, but added that the clarification was required for the public. “…The CEC must answer not to satisfy the Opposition but to assure the public,” Paswan stated. He further said that it would be “wrong” if the people “stopped believing in or have doubts” about the electoral process. “It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to make sure that there is no doubt in the citizens’ minds,” Paswan said. In a similar statement, RLM founder and president Upendra Kushwaha said there was a “great deal of confusion” among the public regarding the SIR exercise. To dispel the confusion, the Election Commission should immediately issue a clarification on the correct position,” Kushwaha said in a post on X. Meanwhile, the Telugu Desam Party said the SIR was being conducted “in a transparent manner”, but said the ECI was a “Constitutional institution entrusted with a crucial responsibility”.
Opposition’s attack, EC’s response
The Congress leader cited states like Haryana, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, questioning how the anti-incumbency in these states had “disappeared.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said the report raised serious questions about the Election Commission.
