Kapil Sibal: 'This is the biggest scam that's happened in this country'

An investigative report has revealed internal differences within the Election Commission of India, with two Election Commissioners raising objections at least 14 times over 10 months to decisions taken without their knowledge. The objections by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi were marked to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and senior officials. Issues raised include the Special Intensive Revision that deleted 13 crore voters, the addition of a new clause to Form 6 for new voter enrolment, and the centralisation of software housing electoral rolls. Concerns were also noted over state-level officials being denied full access to the portal, unapproved appeals filed regarding excluded voters in West Bengal, and changes in the IT division. While the opposition demanded the suspension of the Chief Election Commissioner, the Election Commission stated that internal notes reflect standard deliberations and maintained that all decisions were taken unanimously.

Indian Youth Congress workers staged a protest outside their office on Raisina Road in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The agitation followed media reports alleging internal objections by election commissioners regarding decisions and the centralisation of power within the Election Commission. Protesters raised placards demanding accountability, as opposition leaders questioned both the poll panel and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The Election Commission dismissed the allegations made in the reports. To prevent protesters from marching further, Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel deployed heavy barricades along Raisina Road.

In an interview with India Today, John Sfakianakis, Chief Economist and Head of Economic Research at the Gulf Research Center and Associate Fellow at Chatham House, analyzed the feasibility of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and mounting Middle East tensions. Evaluating the corridor, Sfakianakis noted, "IMEC can help the Strait of Hormuz, but it cannot replace the Strait of Hormuz." He highlighted major political, diplomatic, and infrastructural hurdles facing the project, pointing out that Saudi Arabia and Israel lack diplomatic ties and that the Arabian Peninsula currently lacks cross-border rail links. Addressing regional geopolitical friction, he explained that Saudi Arabia maintains a two-state solution for Palestine as a prerequisite for normalized ties with Israel. Sfakianakis also warned of broader economic ramifications from persistent conflicts involving Iran, Russia, and the United States, stressing that rising inflation remains the primary threat confronting global economies.

This special broadcast covers key national developments, beginning with the public outcry and security concerns in Delhi following the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at Astha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir. The report examines infrastructure and civic lapses at the DDA-managed park, including non-functional streetlights and the absence of CCTV surveillance. It also details the subsequent police encounter near Lady Shri Ram (LSR) College, the suspension of offline classes, and massive student protests demanding enhanced street safety and police patrolling. In political news, the bulletin focuses on reported internal divisions within the Election Commission of India, where Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi raised objections regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, prompting opposition demands for inquiries. Additionally, the coverage tracks continuing protests in Dholka, Gujarat against industrial chemical waste discharge, Supreme Court rulings on election appointments, and campus developments at IIT Bombay.