2 ECs objected to SIR-linked decision. Did Gyanesh Kumar bypass them? Panel debates

Congress leader and Member of Parliament Abhishek Manu Singhvi targeted the Election Commission of India over alleged internal suppression of dissenting views by election commissioners. Singhvi cited the 1995 Supreme Court judgment establishing that the Chief Election Commissioner is first among equals within a collegiate body governed by majority rule. Referring to fourteen written objections recorded by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi over ten months, Singhvi alleged that decisions are being labelled unanimous after dissents are overridden without replies. Singhvi stated, "Dissent inside the EC means that you suffer the fate of Lavasa. Dissent inside the EC means that you are roadrolled." He argued that two out of three commissioners constitute a majority and described the administrative handling of disagreements as an internal bulldozer overriding colleagues. Questioning procedural changes regarding voter forms and access restrictions for Electoral Registration Officers, Singhvi argued that ignoring written dissent undermines transparency and constitutional decision-making.

In this broadcast debate, former Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat and BJP National Spokesperson Dr. Syed Zafar Islam examine allegations of internal dissent within the Election Commission of India. Discussion centres on reported friction where Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi formally recorded 14 objections in 10 months against decisions taken under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Addressing the controversy, O.P. Rawat notes that the poll panel operates as an autonomous constitutional body where decisions are mandated by law to be taken unanimously or by majority vote. He questions why two commissioners holding a majority would complain to the Cabinet Secretary rather than approaching the President of India or exercising their voting power. Rawat also flags deep concerns over the Special Intensive Revision exercise, specifically voter deletions in West Bengal where 93 percent were found eligible on appeal, calling it 'a blot on democracy'. Syed Zafar Islam dismisses opposition allegations, asserting decisions were collectively implemented.

A report highlighting repeated objections from two election commissioners over voter roll revisions has triggered a political storm around the Election Commission of India. Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi reportedly raised 14 objections over 10 months concerning the Special Summary Revision exercise, modifications to voter registration Form 6, database centralisation, and digital access issues. Concerns also extended to voter roll processes in West Bengal and software glitches affecting eligible voters in Goa. Key questions surfaced over requirements for parents' and grandparents' details without formal rule amendments. The disclosures have drawn sharp reactions from opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, and Arvind Kejriwal, who demanded strict accountability and targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Rejecting allegations of an internal rift, the Election Commission maintained that internal dissenting notes and diverse viewpoints reflect routine checks and balances within statutory frameworks. The Bharatiya Janata Party defended the poll body, describing internal deliberations and differences of opinion as evidence of a functioning democracy.

Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi suspended offline classes and moved online after police shot at an accused in the Kalkaji gang-rape case barely 50 metres from the college's back gate. The 17-year-old victim was allegedly gang-raped by three men posing as policemen at Astha Kunj Park, located around 3.5 kilometres from the campus. The incident triggered safety concerns among students residing, studying, and commuting through the stretch. LSR students took to the streets to protest against sexual violence, demanding safer public spaces and questioning why women must retreat indoors instead of authorities securing neighbourhoods and campuses.