Guwahati, 24 September (HS): BJP Assam Pradesh chief spokesperson Kishor Upadhyay has called for a fact-based approach to questions surrounding internal deliberations within the Election Commission of India, saying that public confidence in the constitutional institution should not be undermined by turning internal discussions into a controversy.

His remarks came after The Indian Express reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally recorded objections at least 14 times over 10 months on various decisions of the poll panel.

Upadhyay said differences of opinion among Election Commissioners could form part of institutional decision-making, but questions raised within the Commission should be addressed on the basis of documents and facts. He also said that internal deliberations alone could not be treated as evidence that decisions of the poll panel were invalid.

Referring to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Upadhyay said the Election Commission had the responsibility to ensure accurate voter lists while also protecting the rights of all eligible voters. The Supreme Court, in its May 27, 2026 judgment, upheld the validity of the SIR conducted in Bihar and held that the Commission had the authority to undertake the exercise subject to statutory and procedural safeguards.

On allegations concerning voter deletions in West Bengal, Upadhyay cited figures from The Indian Express and said electoral outcomes in constituencies with high numbers of deletions did not, by themselves, establish a direct link between deletions and victory by any particular party. He, however, acknowledged that any eligible voter whose name was wrongly removed should have access to the prescribed hearing, appeal and correction mechanisms.

Upadhyay also referred to the 2024 Lok Sabha election results, saying that the BJP won 240 seats while the NDA secured 293 seats and argued that the mandate reflected changes in voter support across elections.

On the appointment of Election Commissioners, he referred to the 2023 law under which the selection committee comprises the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar assumed office on February 19, 2025.

Upadhyay said questioning the Election Commission was part of the democratic process, while answering such questions was the responsibility of the poll panel. He stressed that evidence, legal procedures, protection of voting rights and respect for the electoral mandate should remain central to discussions on the electoral process.---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash