The INDIA bloc has released a six-page letter to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, expressing concerns that the electoral process in the country is being manipulated. The letter, signed by top leaders of 23 Opposition parties and one Independent MP, warns that if the judiciary fails to respond to such concerns, it would signal a complete breakdown of the Republic. Democracy is in jeopardy, the Opposition bloc stated, adding that they have chosen this unusual path of writing to the Chief Justice due to the gravity of the situation.
The Opposition leaders emphasized that people still repose their trust in the judiciary when all else fails, and when the judiciary fails to respond, it indicates a complete breakdown of the Republic. They urged the judiciary to ponder over the issues raised by them, stating that democracies turn into anarchies when institutional mechanisms fail completely.
The letter also highlighted the brazen biased conduct of the Election Commission of India (ECI), in particular the Chief Election Commissioner. The Opposition bloc alleged that the ECI has shown open and unabashed support to the BJP during the course of and in the outcome of electoral processes. They also accused the Commission of not being evenhanded by choosing not to take action when the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is breached by the political party in power, while targeting those in the opposition.
The bloc expressed concerns about the electoral process ahead of Assembly elections due in several states, saying serious questions were also being raised about electronic voting, and in particular about the role of electronic voting machines. They also criticized the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of sanitising the electoral rolls, calling it ill-timed and a monumental disaster.
The signatories of the letter included Leaders of Opposition in both Houses of Parliament, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, as well as other senior leaders from various Opposition parties.
The Opposition bloc urged the judiciary to ensure that people’s faith in institutions must endure, and for that, institutions must play their role. They clarified that they were not questioning the judiciary, but rather turning to the courts when every mechanism fails.
The letter serves as a warning to the judiciary to take cognizance of the concerns raised by the Opposition bloc, and to take necessary actions to prevent a complete breakdown of the Republic.
