Leaders of the INDIA bloc, comprising 24 Opposition parties, have written a joint memorandum to Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, alleging manipulation of elections, partisan conduct by the Election Commission of India (ECI), and misuse of central investigative agencies against Opposition parties. The letter, dated June 28, was released to the media on Friday. The Opposition leaders expressed concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal and Bihar, and accused the ECI of manipulating recently conducted elections in Delhi, Haryana, and Maharashtra.
They claimed that democratic institutions were under strain and that electoral outcomes did not accurately reflect the will of the people. The Opposition parties also alleged that the ECI’s independence had eroded in recent years, citing the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Anoop Baranwal case. They criticized changes made through subsequent legislation, which removed the Chief Justice of India from the committee responsible for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
The letter also questioned the rationale behind conducting the SIR, which the Opposition claimed was centered on the alleged infiltration of Bangladeshis into the Bihar electoral rolls. However, they pointed out that there was no data to suggest such infiltration took place. The Opposition demanded the immediate suspension of the SIR, arguing that such a comprehensive overhaul of the electoral rolls should be undertaken only when the next Assembly election is at least five years away.
They maintained that the judiciary was the last resort for the people, and that when it fails to respond, it indicates a complete breakdown of the Republic. The Opposition leaders emphasized that electoral democracy in the country faces the gravest of threats from the Modi-Shah regime. The letter was signed by leaders of 24 Opposition parties, including independent MP Kapil Sibal. ‘When all else fails, people still repose their trust in the judiciary.’
