SP MP Dharmendra Yadav questions EC functioning, says concerns raised since 2022 are "entirely valid"
SP MP Dharmendra Yadav raises serious concerns over the Election Commission's impartiality and recent procedural changes.
Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Dharmendra Yadav has launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), questioning its impartiality and the legality of its recent procedural shifts.
Speaking on the ongoing controversies, Yadav asserted that the concerns being raised regarding the constitutional body are not new but have been consistently voiced since 2022. He alleged that the very foundation of the Commission's recent decisions is flawed, suggesting a lack of internal agreement among the top officials.
"Lacked Consensus Among Commissioners"
Yadav pointed toward specific administrative changes that he believes undermine the democratic process. He claimed that the rules currently being implemented by the Commission were not even agreed upon by the three Election Commissioners themselves.
The Samajwadi Party leader highlighted two major legal grievances:
- Form 6 Amendments: Yadav stated that the recent amendments made to 'Form 6' are inconsistent with both existing laws and the Constitution of India.
- Stripping Official Powers: He criticized the decision to remove powers from field-level officials, such as Public Relations Officers (PROs), regarding appeals against electoral roll amendments, calling the move "legally untenable."
"The Election Commission is not functioning impartially as a constitutional body; this has been proven, and the whole country is aware of it," Yadav remarked, emphasizing that the institution's neutrality is under intense scrutiny.
Nationwide Protests Erupt
The political outcry from Yadav is mirrored by widespread demonstrations across the country, as civil society groups and opposition-aligned organizations demand accountability for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Mumbai: Protests at Shivaji Park
In Mumbai, activists from the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and various civil society organizations gathered at Shivaji Park. The protesters alleged significant irregularities in the SIR exercise. Due to the scale of the demonstration, a heavy police presence was deployed to maintain order at the site.
Delhi: Security Tightened Amid Demonstrations
The capital witnessed significant tension as members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) converged near Jantar Mantar. Alongside them, CPI(M) leaders joined the call, specifically demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The Delhi Police responded to the planned demonstrations by imposing prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. This measure prohibits assemblies of five or more people, processions, and public speeches without prior written permission.
The security crackdown led to significant disruptions in the city's infrastructure:
- Metro Closures: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was forced to close entry and exit points at 11 major stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, and New Delhi, to manage the unrest.
- Police Restrictions: Authorities barred the carrying of banners, placards, sticks, and other items used in demonstrations to prevent escalation.
As the opposition and civil society continue to challenge the Election Commission's recent actions, the debate over the integrity of electoral procedures remains a central flashpoint in Indian politics.