Tag Archives: Election Commission of India

authoritarianism, Democracy, Movements, State Terror

Undeclared AFSPA-like Regime in the Capital: CFD, PUCL, Jan Hastakshep Condemn Crackdown on People’s Agitation Demanding CEC’s Resignation

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Following is a statement jointly issued by CFD, PUCL and Jan Hastakshep

The developments in Delhi and elsewhere in the country expose a disturbing pattern of repression. Citizens asserting their democratic right to question arbitrary state power and to organize protests have been met with force, intimidation and sweeping restrictions.

A report in The Indian Express (23 September 2026) raised serious allegations about unilateral decisions by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, without consultation with the other two Election Commissioners. Concerns over the exclusion of eligible voters led to demands for his resignation. Instead of answering these allegations and restoring public confidence, the Union Government and ruling party defended the CEC while the state machinery was deployed to contain the agitation.

Delhi was turned into a security fortress. Reports cited the deployment of around 23,000 personnel of the Central forces to assist Delhi Police, including five all-women paramilitary companies; multiple barricades; cancellation of 245 Delhi-bound trains; closure of 45 Metro stations; and internet restrictions in and around Jantar Mantar. On 9 October, police reportedly raided activists’ and students’ homes and detained people. On 10 October, nearly 7,000 citizens, including lawyers, were reportedly detained in Delhi. Continue reading Undeclared AFSPA-like Regime in the Capital: CFD, PUCL, Jan Hastakshep Condemn Crackdown on People’s Agitation Demanding CEC’s Resignation →

Democracy, Government, Politics, Right watch, Scams

Restore independence of Election Commission of India: Citizens for Democracy

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The following is an appeal made by the Citizens for Democracy to the President of India to restore the independence of the Election Commission of India.

A public appeal to the Hon’ble President of India

The apex court is seized of the matter of Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls in Bihar, which the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered. The matter being sub judice, the Citizens for Democracy, as a responsible organisation, a defender of people’s democratic rights, would abide by the rules and traditions and refrain from commenting on the matter. In any case, several organisations, political parties and individuals have, as petitioners, already presented their point of view before the highest court of the land.   Needless to say, we are with the petitioners.

We, however, do not hesitate to do our duty to expose the sins of omission and commission of the ECI ever since the BJP government came to power in 2014. ECI, an independent constitutional body, has surrendered its autonomy to the ruling party and has become a willing tool in the party’s efforts to crush democracy in India. Things have taken many turns for the worse with every succeeding incumbent to the exalted position of Chief Election Commissioner.

EC – now a Government Department

In 2023 the Supreme Court suggested the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other commissioners by a committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and the Chief Justice of India and asked the government to amend the Act of 1991 suitably.  The government promptly amended the Act and, as if to mock the Supreme Court, did not include the CJI in the committee. Instead, it made a minister appointed by the Prime Minister as one of its three members. With the Prime Minister leading the Committee, and one of his appointees at his beck and call, the government effectively reduced the existence of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Parliament, the third member of the Committee, to a permanent minority. This has brought down the ECI’s status to that of a government department. One cannot expect fairness from such a body.

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Government, Media politics, Politics

How to be TV-free on election results day

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Avoid the pundits on the nauseating news channels, keep your peace of mind, cut the noise and save your aspirin bills. Watch the results live tomorrow morning 8 am onwards on http://eciresults.nic.in/


Government, Politics, Violence/Conflict

“Gentle persuasion” in Kashmir

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Some intelligence agencies have also warned of a low-poll percentage. But a senior police official said: “One cannot wait for the perfect situation in Kashmir.” According to him “gentle persuasion” in rural and border areas will help improve turnout. “After all, it is not a crime to ask people to vote. In several countries, voting is mandatory,” he argues. [George Joseph, Sakaal Times]

What an admission, what a giveaway! Indian democracy never went beyond Lakhanpur anyway. Nationalists and the weak hearted, please be ready to shut your eyes and ears for the next two months. The Indian state is planning to show its ugliest face in the Valley. Get ready, get ready.