Chandigarh, 27 September (H.S.): Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party president Kewal Singh Dhillon on Sunday criticised the Congress-led opposition for what he described as a “manufactured controversy” and a deliberate campaign to create doubts about the Election Commission of India over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Dhillon said the Election Commission’s clarification had made it clear that decisions relating to the Special Intensive Revision and other major operational matters were taken with the approval of all three Election Commissioners. He referred to the Commission’s meeting held on September 26 and said the decisions regarding the electoral roll revision exercise were unanimous. The Election Commission has also stated that the Special Intensive Revision order issued on June 24, 2025, had the unanimous approval of the full Commission.

Dhillon alleged that Congress and its allies had tried to create an impression of differences within the constitutional institution. He said the Election Commission’s clarification had countered those allegations and accused Congress of unnecessarily targeting constitutional institutions.

Referring to the communication sent to the Cabinet Secretary, Dhillon said the Election Commission had clarified that the letter concerned an internal administrative matter relating to an officer on deputation. According to the Commission, it was not connected with its policy, information technology division or the Special Intensive Revision exercise.

Dhillon said questions and suggestions raised during an institutional decision-making process should not be treated as disagreement over the final decision. He said the Election Commission had maintained that operational inputs during the drafting process were part of normal deliberations and that the final decisions were unanimous.

The Punjab BJP president also rejected opposition allegations of collusion between the Election Commission and the BJP, describing them as “highly immature”. He said opposition parties should instead encourage eligible citizens to participate in the electoral process and cooperate with election authorities to ensure accurate and updated electoral rolls.

Dhillon further accused Congress of repeatedly attempting to undermine public confidence in constitutional institutions whenever political developments did not suit its narrative.

He said political parties had every right to question decisions and seek clarification, but added that spreading unverified allegations against institutions responsible for conducting elections was not in the interest of democracy.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH