Are EC’s claims truly unbiased? Jairam Ramesh responds.
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Chief Election Commissioner attempted to defend the integrity of the electoral process but faced sharp criticism from Congress leaders, who accused the EC of incompetence. Jairam Ramesh's statements highlight the ongoing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition regarding electoral fairness.
Key Takeaways
- CEC's claims of impartiality challenged by the opposition.
- Jairam Ramesh criticizes the EC for lack of meaningful responses.
- Allegations of voter list manipulation intensify.
- Supreme Court ruling impacts EC's credibility.
- Need for transparency in electoral processes highlighted.
New Delhi, Aug 17 (NationPress) The Chief Election Commissioner’s (CEC) comprehensive briefing about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative in Bihar, along with its rebuttal to the allegations of ‘vote chori’ on Sunday, did not manage to sway the main Opposition party. Instead, it intensified their criticism of the electoral panel, accusing it of significant incompetence in ‘purifying’ the electoral rolls, as it professed.
Shortly after CEC Gyanesh Kumar dismissed claims of voter list manipulation and asserted that the commission is an impartial constitutional body, Congress representative Jairam Ramesh took to his social media platform on X, labeling these statements as ‘ridiculous’.
The Rajya Sabha MP remarked, “The CEC did not provide any substantial answers to the specific questions posed by Shri. Rahul Gandhi.”
In an earlier press briefing at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, the CEC refuted the allegations of bias in the Bihar SIR process and mentioned that their doors remain open for all political factions. He also urged all parties to voice their objections and concerns regarding the draft electoral rolls, emphasizing that there are still 15 days available for registering complaints.
Jairam Ramesh, who is in charge of Congress’s communications, also criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) and sarcastically noted, “This marked the first occasion where the new ECI spoke directly rather than through sources.” His remark was a jab at the frequent rebuttals issued by EC sources in response to ongoing allegations from opposition parties, including Rahul Gandhi.
In response to the CEC’s comment that ‘politics cannot intimidate the EC’, Jairam stated, “Regarding the CEC’s threats to Rahul Gandhi, it is essential to highlight that the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha merely stated facts derived from the ECI’s own data. The ECI is thoroughly exposed, not just for its incompetence but also for its overt partisanship.”
Notably, Rahul Gandhi has intensified his accusations in recent days, claiming that the EC is colluding with the ruling party to manipulate the voters' list and compromise the electoral process in Bihar to favor a specific party.
He also pointed out that the EC’s press conference occurred just three days after the Supreme Court dismissed all its arguments aimed at preventing the publication of the 65 lakh deleted voters during the Bihar SIR.
Point of View
The ongoing conflict between the Election Commission and opposition parties underscores a critical moment in India's democratic process. The allegations of bias and incompetence warrant serious attention, as they impact public trust in electoral integrity. It is imperative for the EC to address these concerns transparently to uphold the democratic principles of the nation.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main allegations against the Election Commission?
The main allegations include collusion with the ruling party to manipulate the voters' list and accusations of incompetence in managing the electoral rolls.
Who is Jairam Ramesh?
Jairam Ramesh is a senior Congress leader and the party's communications in-charge, known for his vocal criticism of the Election Commission.
What was the response of the Chief Election Commissioner?
The Chief Election Commissioner rejected the allegations of bias and emphasized that the commission is open to feedback from all political parties.
What did Rahul Gandhi say about the EC?
Rahul Gandhi accused the Election Commission of colluding with the ruling party to manipulate the voters' list and compromise the electoral process.
What is the significance of the Supreme Court's ruling?
The Supreme Court's ruling dismissed the EC's arguments against publishing the list of deleted voters, which raises questions about the commission's transparency.
