ECI Decisions 'All Illegal': Former CEC S. Y. Quraishi Slams Gyanesh Kumar

In an interview with India Today, former Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat discussed the controversies surrounding voter deletions, internal disagreements, and administrative functioning within the Election Commission of India. Addressing concerns over differences among commissioners, Rawat remarked, "Most of the issues are, a little frivolous or made up and, like this, centralization." He emphasized that internal dissent is manageable, noting that fellow commissioners hold majority decision-making powers if consensus is not reached. Rawat clarified that an election's sanctity cannot be challenged outside of an election petition under the law or Constitution. Regarding unaddressed emails from local officials, he stated that administrative supervision rests at the Deputy Election Commissioner and Director level rather than the commission itself, dismissing allegations of unilateral central control.

Indian shooters Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet spoke exclusively after winning India's first shooting gold medal at the Asian Games in the 10-meter mixed air pistol event. Discussing their mindset during the final, Suruchi shared, "Bas mujhe apne game pe focus karna hai," while Kamaljeet explained his drive to deliver his personal best. Kamaljeet also reflected on his sporting transition, revealing that he pursued athletics during childhood but turned to shooting following an injury, which later enabled him to enter the Indian Army through the sports quota.

The Congress held protests across India seeking Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and arrest amid reports of dissent within the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision. The show also examines the default bail granted to an American and six Ukrainians accused in a drone-training case, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s remarks at the UN.

A political dispute has erupted between the BJP and Congress over claims of internal dissent within the Election Commission of India. Speaking on To The Point, Congress spokesperson Adil Singh Boparai demanded the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation and alleged that decisions involving statutory Form 6 were taken without proper authorisation. He termed the move an “act of fraud and forgery”. BJP spokesperson Radhika Khera rejected the claims as political posturing, saying administrative file notes and internal deliberations are routine. Separately, a 17-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped at Delhi’s Astha Kunj Park after visiting Kalkaji Temple. Three men posing as policemen allegedly assaulted her male friend and took them to a secluded area. The DDA later announced tighter park security.