Opposition Parties Seek CJI’s Intervention Over Alleged Bias by Election Commission

Twenty three opposition parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, RJD, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML), VCK, PDP and MDMK, have written to the Chief Justice of India alleging that the Election Commission of India has acted in a biased manner and favoured the Bharatiya Janata Party.

In a letter dated June 28, the MPs accused the Election Commission, particularly Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, of showing open support for the ruling party. They claimed the Commission has selectively enforced the Model Code of Conduct by overlooking alleged violations by BJP leaders while taking action against opposition parties.

The opposition leaders also questioned the appointment process of Election Commissioners since 2014. According to the letter, many appointments appear to have close links with the government, raising concerns about the Commission’s independence and reducing public confidence in the institution.

One of the main issues raised in the letter is the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which was first introduced in Bihar. The opposition alleged that the exercise was carried out without reliable evidence to identify illegal immigrants and unfairly affected Dalits, Adivasis, minorities, migrant workers and economically weaker sections. They also claimed that strict documentation requirements, alleged forged signatures by Booth Level Officers and the inclusion of deceased persons in the records point to serious flaws in the process.

The parties further alleged that the revision was conducted in a rushed manner and designed to benefit the BJP. They raised similar concerns about the deletion of nearly 27 lakh voters in West Bengal under a category described as logical discrepancies. According to the letter, tribunal proceedings revealed that many of these deletions were incorrect and largely affected areas considered strongholds of the Trinamool Congress.

The opposition also questioned the deployment of 2.4 lakh Central Armed Police Forces and the transfer of senior state officials during the election process. Similar complaints were made regarding elections held in Delhi, Haryana and Maharashtra.

The letter also expressed concerns over the use of Electronic Voting Machines and alleged that central investigative agencies such as the CBI, Enforcement Directorate and National Investigation Agency have been misused against opposition leaders.

The opposition urged the judiciary to direct the Election Commission to suspend Special Intensive Revision exercises until elections are not immediately due. They also recommended door to door verification of voters and called for a wider national discussion on electoral reforms, including the possible use of paper ballots.

Describing the judiciary as the final guardian of democracy, the opposition leaders said timely judicial intervention is necessary to restore public confidence in the country’s electoral system.