The Election Commission of India (ECI) addressed criticism of its operations on Wednesday, emphasizing that differing opinions and observations are a standard aspect of discussions within any institution. This statement comes in response to recent reports suggesting internal dissent within the commission.
“Differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution. They are a part of the decision-making process before a final decision is taken.
In a press note, ECI also said that all its digital platforms, including ECINet , operate under strict data security protocols to prevent unauthorised tampering or manipulation, and that all its actions were legal. Not only the three commissioners, but every officer of the commission is fully authorized to give his suggestions to the commission for improving the electoral system,” the note said. ECI said any “operational queries or inputs” by commission members were part of standard administrative practice aimed at “safeguarding voter rights” and added that suggestions given by commissioners were for further improving the electoral process es.
ECI also dismissed criticism of its software and digital networks. “The commission’s digital platforms, such as ECINet, operate under strict data security protocols to prevent unauthorized tampering, manipulation, etc. IT security checks and audit controls are standard cybersecurity measures implemented across national databases.
News reports had said election commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded objections at least 14 times in 10 months, describing decisions as having been taken without their knowledge. Officials also pushed back on the widely cited figure of roughly 130 million voter deletions, calling it misleading. They also said that the 3.8 million appeals filed in West Bengal were not filed by ECI.
ECI’s response did not dispute this claim but said these were routine exchanges. Statutory authorities, including Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and District Election Officers (DEOs), function as per statutory powers for registration and deletion under law,” it said. “On 27 May 2026, the Supreme Court held that the ECI has the power to conduct a special intensive revision, under Article 324 read with Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950…The court reviewed the ECI’s procedure and did not find it disproportionate or contrary to law.”
