New Delhi, Dec 9 (NationPress) MP Supriya Sule from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) has launched a strong critique against the Election Commission of India (ECI), claiming it has failed to maintain neutrality and has permitted corruption and violence during the recent local panchayat elections in Maharashtra. She accused the commission of disregarding systemic failures that jeopardize democracy.

During her address in the Lok Sabha on electoral reforms, Sule stated that public trust in the ECI has significantly declined, with many perceiving it as lacking impartiality.

She further alleged that the Commission has been ineffective in curbing hate speech and has struggled to adapt to challenges such as digital manipulation, deepfakes, and targeted propaganda.

According to her, the appointment mechanism for election commissioners has become politically skewed, which undermines the credibility of the institution.

Moreover, she pointed out that political entities frequently violate expenditure caps while the Commission remains indifferent, disproportionately impacting urban poor, migrants, and marginalized groups.

Sule criticized the VVPAT verification process as being too restrictive and lacking transparency, suggesting that the transfer orders of officials seem politically driven.

She remarked that the Commission has failed to staunchly defend its own authority, questioning: “Will the Election Commission safeguard democracy, or will democracy need to defend itself?”

Focusing on Maharashtra, Sule depicted a bleak scenario in the latest Panchayat elections, alleging that cash was freely distributed, citing examples of large sums found in the residences of MLAs associated with the BJP.

The NCP(SP) MP alleged that both withdrawals and nominations were manipulated, asserting that levels of violence were unprecedented, with instances of vehicle vandalism, firearms being displayed, and even EVM locks being tampered with.

She declared, “There is no Election Commission in Maharashtra,” emphasizing her belief that the institution has relinquished its duties.

Her comments coincided with those of Shiv Sena(UBT) MP Anil Desai, who denounced the anti-defection law as ineffective, while Sule concentrated on issues of corruption, violence, and institutional failures.

Together, their statements underscored a wider opposition narrative suggesting that the electoral integrity in Maharashtra has been compromised. She urged that the Election Commission must restore its role as a neutral custodian of democracy, rather than appearing as an extension of the government.