"Nefarious design to undermine constitution": BJP slams opposition criticism of Election Commission
BJP MP Sambit Patra accuses Congress of a nefarious design to undermine the Constitution following criticism of the Election Commission.
BJP MP Sambit Patra has launched a scathing attack on the Congress and other opposition parties, accusing them of orchestrating a coordinated assault on the Election Commission of India (ECI). The remarks come in the wake of a heated political row regarding the resignation demands for Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and allegations surrounding the Special Inquiry Report (SIR) exercise of electoral rolls.
Allegations of Collusion and Constitutional Undermining
Speaking to ANI, Patra claimed that the opposition, led specifically by the Congress, has been conducting an "aggressive attack" on both the ECI and the BJP. He noted that the opposition has alleged collusion between the poll body and the ruling party, suggesting that the very foundations of Indian democracy are at risk.
Patra countered these claims by emphasizing that the processes followed by the Election Commission have already received judicial approval. He highlighted that the ECI's recent clarifications have effectively debunked the opposition's narrative regarding internal disagreements.
"The Congress Party portrayed it as a disagreement, whereas the Election Commission of India's letter has now clearly established that the SIR was conducted with the signatures and full consensus of all three Commissioners..." Patra stated, adding that the Supreme Court had previously ruled in favor of the SIR process.
A Pattern of Attacking Institutions
The BJP leader further alleged that the Congress party has exhibited a consistent pattern of targeting vital national institutions since 2014. According to Patra, no major institution has been spared from the opposition's scrutiny, ranging from the judiciary to the Indian Army.
- The Judiciary: Patra accused opposition leaders of attacking Supreme Court judges by labeling them "puppets."
- The Military: He claimed that while no other party has targeted the Indian Army, the Congress and its allies have done so.
- Constitutional Bodies: He argued that the attacks on the ECI are a byproduct of the opposition's inability to regain political power.
Patra pointed to a recent public statement from the ECI, which featured a photograph of all three commissioners sitting together, as visual proof that the Commission remains united and functional, contrary to the opposition's claims of internal friction.
Widespread Opposition Protests
The controversy has triggered a wave of political unrest across the country. Major opposition players, including the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Shiv Sena (UBT), and various Left parties, have intensified their demands for accountability and transparency in the electoral process.
Congress units have staged demonstrations in numerous states, including:
- Delhi and Haryana
- Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir
- Assam and West Bengal
- Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Manipur
As the tension escalates, the Congress party has signaled that opposition members may consider moving an impeachment motion against Gyanesh Kumar in Parliament.
The Election Commission's Stand
Amidst the political storm, the Election Commission of India has maintained its stance of procedural integrity. The ECI clarified that internal technical notes and written queries are standard components of a multi-member body's functioning. The Commission asserted that all final decisions, particularly those concerning the SIR exercise, were reached unanimously and carried the legal sanction and approval of all three commissioners.