Govt fixing polls with EC’s help: INDIA bloc to CJI NEW DELHI: Claiming that democracy is in “jeopardy” because the BJP govt is “manipulating” elections with the help of a “biased” Election Commission, the joint opposition has urged CJI Surya Kant to suspend SIR of electoral rolls, arguing it should be done five years before an assembly election.The opposition also raised questions about EVMs and sought serious consideration to restore ballot papers, while alleging that polls in Delhi, Maharashtra and Haryana were manipulated. INDIA bloc, in its June 28 letter to CJI, stated it would not have written to him but has been forced by circumstances. In a list of its grievances – SIR to “favour BJP”, “misuse of agencies to manipulate polls”, and appointment of ECs – it hinted it has hit a wall with govt.Who next if courts too fail? INDIA bloc to CJIThe SIR process was upheld by Supreme Court in May as it observed that the exercise advances the constitutional imperative of free and fair elections.”Democracies turn into anarchies when institutional mechanisms fail completely… We are not questioning judiciary. In fact, we turn to courts when every mechanism fails. When this, too, fails, it leaves open the question – who do we now turn to? We leave that question for you to ponder upon,” the bloc of 24 political parties and an Independent MP wrote to CJI. “Judges do not live in ivory towers. You, too, are aware of what is happening on the ground,” it said.The letter alleged that under BJP, poll manipulation starts with the appointment of election commissioners, as Modi govt removed CJI from the collegium to select ECs, contrary to Supreme Court’s judgment in Anoop Baranwal case. It alleged govt has appointed people who are “closely associated with it”.”The reason for our grave concern is the brazen biased conduct of the EC, in particular chief election commissioner,” it said. “There has been open, unabashed support of the BJP during the course of electoral processes,” the bloc said, calling SIR the “unkindest cut” by EC and CEC Gyanesh Kumar.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCentre Directs Apple, Google To Remove 7 Apps From Their Stores Over E-Rickshaw Shutdown ScareCentre To Summon Meta Over Instagram Ads Promoting Child Sexual Abuse: Report’Police Are Not Servants Of CM Or PM’: Bombay High Court Quashes SDPI Leader’s ExternmentFour Former AIADMK Ministers Switch To TVK; Fresh Political Churn Leaves Six Assembly Seats VacantKarur Stampede Flashpoint: TVK-DMK Clash; Former CM Allegedly Blamed For Loss Of LivesTwin-Flower Symbol Under Threat As EC Examines Mamata And Ritabrata Faction ClaimsRam Mandir Donation Row Deepens As Vinay Katiyar Claims Trust Officials Could Face Jail’Unfortunate, We Are All Hurt’: RSS Issues First Statement On Ayodhya Ram Temple ‘Donation Theft’SC Raises Questions But Grants Relief To Sonam In Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case Appeal’Will Surrender Before Court’: Jailed Gangster Anmol Bishnoi Wants To Join Salman Khan Firing Trial123PhotostoriesFrom his bond with Dilip Joshi to watching IPL match with SRK in his vanity: When Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’s Goli aka Kush Shah spoke about his journey8 traditional South Indian rice dishes for a light, healthy summer dinner (with calories)BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Tamannaah Bhatia serve Yin and Yang-inspired ensembles at the Shiseido launch eventMany men ignore these symptoms until it’s too late: Doctor explain the warning signs of prostate problemsGood or bad? Here’s what psychology really says about live-in relationshipsAlia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh just declared utility dressing the ultimate ‘Alpha’ promotion uniformWhat happens before prayers are answered? 5 signs mentioned in spiritual traditions7 traditional Indian foods that can naturally improve your gut health, according to nutritionist10 types of travel partners that can turn a dream trip into hard workHusband filed for divorce? Here are 7 legal rights he cannot take away from wife123Hot PicksTrump tariffsLuka Modric Net WorthEPF Scheme 2026Amarnath Yatra 2026Income Tax Return FilingMumbai rainUS unemploymentMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingBrittany MahomesTravis KelceKansas CityFIFA World Cup 2026GTA 6 Estimated SizeNew England PatriotsCandace OwensFIFA War DecisionCA Toppers ListAnitha Radhakrishnan
NEW DELHI: Claiming that democracy is in “jeopardy” because the BJP govt is “manipulating” elections with the help of a “biased” Election Commission, the joint opposition has urged CJI Surya Kant to suspend SIR of electoral rolls, arguing it should be done five years before an assembly election.The opposition also raised questions about EVMs and sought serious consideration to restore ballot papers, while alleging that polls in Delhi, Maharashtra and Haryana were manipulated. INDIA bloc, in its June 28 letter to CJI, stated it would not have written to him but has been forced by circumstances. In a list of its grievances – SIR to “favour BJP”, “misuse of agencies to manipulate polls”, and appointment of ECs – it hinted it has hit a wall with govt.
Who next if courts too fail? INDIA bloc to CJI
The SIR process was upheld by Supreme Court in May as it observed that the exercise advances the constitutional imperative of free and fair elections.“Democracies turn into anarchies when institutional mechanisms fail completely… We are not questioning judiciary. In fact, we turn to courts when every mechanism fails. When this, too, fails, it leaves open the question – who do we now turn to? We leave that question for you to ponder upon,” the bloc of 24 political parties and an Independent MP wrote to CJI. “Judges do not live in ivory towers. You, too, are aware of what is happening on the ground,” it said.The letter alleged that under BJP, poll manipulation starts with the appointment of election commissioners, as Modi govt removed CJI from the collegium to select ECs, contrary to Supreme Court’s judgment in Anoop Baranwal case. It alleged govt has appointed people who are “closely associated with it”.“The reason for our grave concern is the brazen biased conduct of the EC, in particular chief election commissioner,” it said. “There has been open, unabashed support of the BJP during the course of electoral processes,” the bloc said, calling SIR the “unkindest cut” by EC and CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
