ECI's initiatives must earn public trust

The Election Commission (ECI) has played a crucial role in institutionalizing democratic procedures in India and continues to enjoy public trust and respect.

- SUBHAS SINGHA ROY AND RIYA KONER

The Election Commission (ECI) has played a crucial role in institutionalizing democratic procedures in India and continues to enjoy public trust and respect. Even with its recent popularity, the ECI faces criticism from opposition parties regarding the revision of electoral rolls. However, it has been accused of being susceptible to EVM manipulation on numerous occasions.

On 24 June, 2025, the ECI revealed plans for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which includes conducting door-to-door checks to update voter lists by removing those who are ineligible or deceased, relocated, and possibly 'illegal migrant' voters. Bihar is the first testing ground for this SIR; nearly 6.6 per cent of voters' names, totaling 65 lakh people, were struck off the electoral rolls. This omission opened the door to criticism, and Bihar's opposition sought help from the Supreme Court, which dismissed the complaints, citing constitutional and legal reasons for the project.

Opposition parties like RJD, TMC, Congress, and others took to the streets of Delhi to protest against the 'alleged conspiracy of disenfranchising the poor, migrant, and marginalized people' in connivance with the BJP. The conspiracy theory behind the ECI drive served as a unifying force for them, although they differ in the importance they attach to the issues.

The TMC has criticized a supposed hidden plan to bring in the NRC through voter list revisions, while the RJD fears that many legitimate voters from disadvantaged and migrant groups could lose their right to vote. Some state government employees in Bihar and West Bengal faced punitive action for dereliction of their official responsibilities, drawing criticism from the political establishment. The rhetorical refusal by the state government to act against the deputed officials for dereliction of responsibility prompted the ECI to take a proactive stance.