Reports have emerged that there has been a sharp clash of views between Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi over various decisions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters’ list.
The reports say that over the past 10 months, the Election Commissioners have raised objections at least 14 times, saying that decisions were taken and orders issued without their knowledge.
At the same time, the Election Commission has clarified that “it is natural for differing views to arise during official discussions; all orders of the Election Commission are lawful.”
A report in an English newspaper said that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi strongly objected to various decisions of the Election Commission regarding SIR.
Which issues were opposed?: It said, “Both Election Commissioners repeatedly questioned various decisions related to SIR and also pointed out several problems.
In particular, they have formally recorded objections at least 14 times over the past 10 months, stating that decisions were made and orders issued without their knowledge regarding changes to Form 6 for new voters, control over centralizing the voter database, and related matters. On one day alone, objections were raised four times. The commissioners noted that the changes made to Form 6 were illegal.
It has also been stated that objections were raised regarding the mass deletion of voters’ names in various states during voter list verification and database handling.
Difference of opinion is natural - Election Commission clarification: In this matter, after opposition parties leveled sharp criticism against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the BJP, the Election Commission has issued a clarification.
In a press release issued by the Commission in this regard, it said: In any organization, differing opinions and perspectives are a natural part of discussions.
Not only the three Election Commissioners, but every official is fully empowered to offer their suggestions to the Commission on improving the electoral system. On that basis, the suggestions made by the Election Commissioners were aimed at further improving the election process.
Orders are legally binding: The Election Commission’s official orders, decisions, and administrative guidelines are all issued with full legal authority, following the statutory procedures established under the ‘Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.’
Over the past 10-month period, it is not appropriate to highlight only a few remarks or specific viewpoints while ignoring the implementation of the Election Commission’s overall approvals, decisions, orders, and initiatives.
Unanimously taken decisions: In recent times, the Election Commission has undertaken around 40 new initiatives and various reforms, including revision of the voters’ list. All these decisions are the result of decisions unanimously taken by the Commission over the past year. Recognizing its key role in strengthening democracy, the Election Commission of India remains committed to fulfilling its constitutional duties with complete integrity, the press release stated.
