Leader of the CPI in Rajya Sabha Sandosh Kumar P. on Monday wrote a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, raising serious concerns over an alleged breach of institutional neutrality by the Election Commission of India (ECI). In his letter, Kumar flagged an official communication dated March 19, 2019, which reportedly carried the seal of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) despite being an Election Commission document. He termed the incident a “serious violation” that undermines the credibility and impartiality of the poll body.
The CPI leader also questioned the explanation provided by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Kerala, who reportedly acknowledged that the document was circulated by their office and called the presence of the BJP seal a “clerical mistake.”
Kumar argued that such an explanation is not only untenable but reflects a disturbing degree of callousness and institutional indifference on the part of an authority entrusted with upholding the sanctity of elections and democratic participation. He said that this is not a routine administrative lapse; it constitutes a serious breach that undermines the credibility, neutrality, and constitutional integrity of the Election Commission of India, and erodes public confidence in the electoral process.
Outdated guidelines circulated
In addition to the seal controversy, Kumar highlighted another issue involving the circulation of outdated FAQs related to the disclosure of candidates’ criminal antecedents by the Kerala CEO’s office.
He pointed out that the Election Commission had already issued updated guidelines in January 2022 and March 2024, in line with a Supreme Court judgment delivered on August 10, 2021.
Calling the lapse “inexplicable,” Kumar questioned whether the use of outdated material was due to negligence or a deliberate attempt to mislead stakeholders, including political parties in the state.
Demand for inquiry and accountability
Kumar has urged the Election Commission to order a time-bound and independent inquiry into both matters, the use of a political party’s seal on an official document and the circulation of outdated guidelines. He also called for fixing accountability, initiating disciplinary action against those responsible, and making the findings public to restore trust.
Emphasising the importance of institutional integrity, Kumar said any compromise in the functioning of the Election Commission could erode public confidence in democratic processes and must be addressed with urgency.