Pramod Tiwari Seeks Supreme Court-Monitored Investigation Into ECI, Says "Democracy Has Been Murdered"

Senior Congress leader Pramod Tiwari has criticised the Election Commission over recent decisions and called for a probe into allegations concerning the poll body to be conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court. Speaking to ANI, Tiwari questioned why BJP leader Sambit Patra was responding to allegations directed at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission.

Referring to the Hindi proverb “Begani Shaadi Mein Abdulla Diwana”, Tiwari said the Election Commission itself should have addressed the allegations rather than the BJP responding on its behalf. He argued that the development raised questions that required an independent investigation. Tiwari also urged the Supreme Court to take up the matter and ensure that an FIR is registered and the investigation is conducted under its monitoring.

His comments followed reports by The Indian Express claiming that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on at least 14 occasions over a 10-month period regarding decisions and orders linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Another report cited by the Congress leader said Goa's Chief Electoral Officer wrote to authorities in Delhi eight times within seven days seeking access related to the process, but did not receive the requested access.

The issue has also drawn criticism from RJD MP Manoj Jha. Referring to the reported correspondence from Goa, Jha alleged that the electoral system had been manipulated and questioned whether an impartial inquiry could be conducted while the same officials remained involved. Jha also appealed to the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter. He said petitions concerning the SIR process are already before the apex court and argued that judicial intervention was necessary to examine the allegations.

The claims made by the opposition leaders come amid a wider political dispute over the Election Commission's handling of the SIR exercise. The allegations and the reported objections remain matters of political contention, while any formal investigation or judicial proceedings would determine the facts.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.