Lok Sabha Erupts in Heated Exchange Over Voter Roll Revision and Election Commission Reforms

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday witnessed an intense debate over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi launching a sharp attack on the government and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delivering a forceful rebuttal.

Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP-led government of “capturing” the Election Commission of India (ECI) and using its influence to skew the democratic process. Alleging that the poll body had ceased to function independently, he said, “The Election Commission bows to power to influence elections. The BJP is directing and using the Election Commission to undermine Indian democracy.”

Gandhi renewed his criticism of the government’s electoral reform measures, particularly the 2023 changes to the process for appointing election commissioners. Questioning the removal of the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee, he said, “Why was the CJI removed? What was the motivation? I have no voice in that room.” He further claimed that the new law insulated election commissioners from accountability, adding, “Under the new law, no EC can be punished while in office.”

BJP Hits Back With Emergency-Era References

Responding to Gandhi’s allegations, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said the Congress had no moral authority to speak about institutions. Citing examples from the Emergency era, he asserted, “In 1976, they ended all institutions. With one amendment, they turned the President into a rubber stamp.”

He accused the Congress of manipulating institutions historically, saying, “Indira Gandhi committed vote theft in Rae Bareli. She bypassed three judges to appoint a CJI. They even ended the UPSC’s independence. Congress leader Batuk Singh headed UPSC for 10 years.”

Claims of Electoral Manipulation

Gandhi pointed to alleged irregularities identified during the SIR exercise, calling them part of a larger attempt to influence electoral outcomes. “This is how you are winning elections in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar,” he claimed. “In Bihar alone, 1.2 lakh duplicate photos have been found.” He argued that these issues went beyond administrative errors and amounted to “stealing” the people’s mandate.

Extending his criticism, he accused the ruling establishment of reshaping institutions to favour the Prime Minister. “We have election campaigns designed to tilt the field towards the PM,” he said.

He also invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s advocacy of Khadi as a symbol of equality, contrasting it with what he described as the hierarchical ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His remarks drew strong protests from the treasury benches.

BJP Counters With UPA-Era Examples

The BJP dismissed Gandhi’s allegations, arguing that the Congress had itself bypassed institutional norms during its tenure. “Can Rahul Gandhi name one election commissioner appointed by a committee that included the CJI or LoP during Congress rule?” the party asked, noting that the temporary committee system was instituted only until a new law was enacted.

The BJP further alleged that Sonia Gandhi had overstepped her authority by appointing Navin Chawla as Election Commissioner in 2005 and accused the UPA government of ignoring senior Opposition leader L.K. Advani’s suggestion in 2012 to form a collegium for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner.

“Instead of constructively assisting in the selection of a new CEC, all Rahul Gandhi does is drama,” the party said, noting that the Leader of the Opposition is now part of the selection panel under the new law.