In a major political development, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Abhishek Manu Singhvi has leveled serious allegations against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Singhvi has accused the CEC of effectively hijacking the Election Commission of India (ECI), an allegation that has sparked a massive controversy, while this statement follows a recent disclosure by the Indian Express, which has raised significant questions regarding the internal functioning and independence of the country's top electoral body.
Allegations of Institutional Hijacking
Abhishek Manu Singhvi stated that the Chief Election Commissioner has not only misled the entire nation but has also kept his own colleagues within the commission in a state of confusion. According to Singhvi, a constitutional institution like the Election Commission is no longer functioning independently. He emphasized that the Election Commission is designed to be a majority-based institution where decisions are supposed to be taken collectively by the members. However, he alleged that CEC Gyanesh Kumar has bypassed this democratic process, leading to what he described as a complete hijack of the institution.
Demand to Cancel Delhi and Haryana Elections
The most significant part of Singhvi's accusation was his demand regarding the electoral processes in specific states. Citing the alleged irregularities and the lack of transparency within the commission, the Congress leader has demanded the immediate cancellation of the assembly elections in Delhi and Haryana. He argued that if the leadership of the Election Commission is compromised and misleading its own members, the conduct of elections under such circumstances can't be considered fair or valid. This demand places a direct question mark on the legitimacy of the democratic exercise in these two states.
Internal Bulldozer and Rule Violations
Singhvi used strong terminology to describe the current administrative style within the ECI, claiming that there is an internal bulldozer operating within the commission. He alleged that Gyanesh Kumar has not just misled the country but has also hijacked the commission by confusing his fellow commissioners. Singhvi pointed out that the Supreme Court of India has previously clarified that the Election Commission is a majority-driven institution. He raised a pointed question as to whether the other members of the EC have been reduced to mere dummies while a single individual runs the entire organization. On top of that, he specifically accused the CEC of violating established rules by making unauthorized changes to Form 6, which is a vital part of the electoral process.
The Congress leader's remarks highlight deep concerns regarding the autonomy of constitutional bodies. By referencing the Indian Express report, Singhvi has transformed a media disclosure into a formal political challenge against the CEC's leadership. The allegation that the CEC misled his colleagues is particularly serious, as it suggests a breakdown of the collective decision-making framework that's essential for the credibility of the Election Commission of India.