Several NDA leaders on 9 October 2026 welcomed an open letter signed by 42 former judges of the Supreme Court and various High Courts, expressing concern over what the signatories described as a campaign to undermine the Election Commission, the judiciary, and other constitutional institutions. The leaders said the retired judges had articulated the 'right sentiment' and called on the Opposition to introspect.

What the Open Letter Said

In a strongly worded letter, the 42 former judges — including three former High Court Chief Justices — questioned allegations of 'vote theft' made without supporting evidence. They warned that repeatedly branding constitutional authorities as 'thieves' and 'compromised' risked eroding public trust in Indian democracy. The signatories also defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, describing it as a legally established exercise aimed at ensuring clean and accurate voter lists.

Among the prominent signatories are former Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Delhi High Court, B.C. Patel; former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, Subhro Kamal Mukherjee; and former Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court, Permod Kohli.

NDA Leaders Respond

Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said, 'The respected former judges have expressed a good sentiment in their letter.' He alleged that questions raised against the Election Commission were 'part of a conspiracy to weaken the constitutional system,' adding that 'the Opposition wants to create a situation of anarchy.'

BJP National Spokesperson Guru Prakash said the Opposition's claims were 'without evidence, without a cause, without basis.' He noted that the Supreme Court had 'repeatedly given its stance on SIR and its constitutional credibility' as well as on Form 6, and urged the Opposition to 'reflect, think and introspect.'

Janata Dal (United) National Spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan said the letter demonstrated that 'the public and the country's intellectuals are watching' Opposition attempts to 'weaken Indian democracy by targeting constitutional institutions.'

BJP leader Mrityunjay Tiwari said, 'The 150 crore people of the country are also concerned about why the INDIA Bloc leaders are raising questions about constitutional institutions and weakening democracy and the Constitution.'

Context and Background

The open letter emerges against the backdrop of sustained Opposition criticism of the Election Commission's voter roll revision process. The INDIA Bloc — a coalition of opposition parties — has repeatedly alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise, raising questions about the integrity of electoral rolls in several states. Critics within the Opposition argue that the SIR process disproportionately deletes the names of marginalised voters.

This comes amid a broader pattern of institutional contestation in Indian politics, where both the ruling coalition and the Opposition have invoked constitutional authorities to buttress their respective positions. Notably, the Supreme Court has previously weighed in on Form 6 provisions and the SIR framework, lending the NDA's argument some judicial grounding, though the Opposition contests that interpretation.

What Happens Next

The open letter is likely to intensify political debate ahead of upcoming state assembly elections. Constitutional and legal experts are expected to weigh in on whether the SIR exercise complies with established electoral law, and Opposition parties have not yet formally responded to the retired judges' letter. All eyes will be on whether the INDIA Bloc issues a counter-statement or escalates its campaign through legal channels.