EC Clarifies On Cabinet Secy Letter, Rebuffs Centralisation Claims Amid Opposition Row

The Election Commission of India has clarified that all decisions taken by the poll body, including the conduct of the Special Intensive Revision across states and union territories, were unanimous. Addressing reports regarding letters written by Election Commissioners, the poll body stated that the communication addressed to the Cabinet Secretary was strictly administrative in nature, concerning the functioning of an officer on deputation, and not related to any policy matters or the oversight of the Information Technology division. The Commission noted that the Special Intensive Revision orders for 12 states and union territories on 27 October and for 19 states and union territories on 14 May received unanimous approval and align with directives upheld by the Supreme Court of India. Dismissing opposition allegations of an internal divide, the Commission affirmed that administrative feedback reflects healthy internal deliberation and adherence to rules, maintaining that the poll body remains completely united in conducting fair elections across the country.

A crucial internal meeting of the Election Commission of India was held at Nirvachan Bhavan, attended by the Chief Election Commissioner and both Election Commissioners. The meeting occurred amid demands by opposition parties and the INDIA bloc calling for the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner following claims raised in a media report. Addressing allegations regarding centralization of powers, the poll body clarified that a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary concerned the working of an officer on deputation to the commission and was not related to any policy matter or the IT division. The commission stated that work redistribution orders were not implemented after directives from the two commissioners, and oversight of the IT division was never withdrawn. Further clarifications addressed electoral processes, noting house-to-house voter verification drives by booth level officers in Goa, the completion of the SIR exercise across twenty states and union territories, and the extension of claims and objections deadlines for Delhi until 30 October 2026.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader MA Baby has reached out to non-NDA parties, including the Trinamool Congress, seeking wider opposition cooperation. Speaking on his conversation with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he said: "INDIA bloc is important, but it has to be INDIA bloc plus." The initiative seeks to bring together parties outside the National Democratic Alliance on national issues, despite decades of regional rivalry between the Left and the Trinamool Congress in Bengal.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that the ruling party is protecting the Election Commissioner while also shielding its own leadership. She stated that it is practically impossible for the Election Commission to indulge in serious illegalities without the full support of the BJP leadership. Addressing the media, she asserted that the INDIA alliance is in complete agreement that the ongoing actions are anti-constitutional and illegal, calling for the removal of legal safeguards provided to the Election Commissioner and demanding a trial for treason. Meanwhile, the Congress party has intensified protests on the ground and across social media, with opposition parties scheduled to convene to decide their upcoming roadmap.