SY Quraishi, a former Chief Election Commissioner, has strongly criticised the Election Commission's (EC) handling of "vote theft" allegations made by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition.
Speaking in an interview, Quraishi argued that the EC should have launched a thorough investigation into Gandhi's claims instead of "shouting" at him. He described the EC's language as "objectionable and offensive," and said the body's response was not in line with its known standards.
Quraishi acknowledged that some of Gandhi’s terms, such as likening his claims to a “hydrogen bomb”, were likely “political rhetoric”. However, he insisted that the core of the complaints needed detailed investigation. He said that the standard practice when he was CEC was to immediately order a probe if anyone — especially a figure like the Leader of the Opposition — made such a complaint. He stressed that the EC must not only be fair but also be seen to be fair, and that a probe would have brought out the facts. By demanding an affidavit from Gandhi instead, Quraishi believes the EC missed an opportunity to instill confidence.
He contrasted the current EC’s behaviour with his own approach during his tenure from 2010 to 2012. He said he always prioritised the opposition parties, viewing them as “underdogs” who needed more attention than the ruling party. He ensured his staff’s doors were always open to opposition leaders, giving them appointments immediately and listening to their concerns. This is a stark contrast to the current situation, where 23 opposition parties have had to go to the Supreme Court because they reportedly can't get an audience with the EC.
Concerns over voter roll revisions
Quraishi also expressed serious concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. He said that by “throwing the existing roll in the dustbin” and attempting to redo in three months what took the EC 30 years to perfect, the body is “buying trouble”. He warned that this process is not only “opening a pandora's box” but that the EC has “put its hand in the hornet’s nest”.
He specifically questioned the decision to exclude the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) as a document for voter registration, pointing out that the EPIC is issued by the EC itself and that not recognising it has serious implications. He said he was surprised the Supreme Court did not follow up on the issue of the EPIC, especially since it has been pushing for the use of Aadhaar.
Quraishi concluded by saying that people’s confidence in the electoral process has been shaken. He is of the view that EC needs to do some introspection and “stand up to all the forces and the pressures that may be influencing their decisions” in order to regain the people’s trust.
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