‘No differences, only democratic discussions’: Election Commission rejects reports of internal rift

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India has rejected reports of serious differences within the poll panel over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Commission said differences in views and observations among its members are part of democratic discussions, while final decisions are taken unanimously.

The Election Commission is a constitutional body functioning under the strict provisions of Article 324 of the Constitution, it said in an official statement. It added that all members of the Commission have the authority to make suggestions to improve the electoral process and ensure transparency and legal accuracy.

The clarification comes after The Indian Express reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded objections to various decisions 14 times over the past 10 months. According to the report, the two commissioners had alleged that several key decisions related to electoral roll revision, the addition of new voters and deletion of names were taken without informing them and were “unauthorised” and “illegal”.

The report triggered a political controversy, with Opposition parties strongly criticising the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Opposition leaders demanded Kumar’s removal and alleged that the SIR was targeting voters who did not support the BJP. The Election Commission’s statement comes against this backdrop, reiterating that differences of opinion during internal deliberations are normal and that decisions of the full Commission are taken unanimously.