Story perspectives

Two Commissioners File 14 Objections to Voter-List Revision

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 4:03 AM UTC · How we work

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Democratic Hijack Allegations

Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi lodged fourteen objections to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s Intensive voter-roll revision.
The objections are portrayed as a hijacking of India’s democracy, prompting calls to scrap the revision and impeach the chief commissioner.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke called the revision a democratic hijack and urged commission reforms.
Courts in West Bengal are hearing challenges, noting voter deletions could cut access to welfare benefits.

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Commissioner Independence Claims

Two Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi objected fourteen times to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s voter-roll revision decisions.
These objections are presented as proof that individual commissioners exercised independent judgment, challenging the commission’s claim of unanimity.
The Election Commission said differing views are normal and written notes ensure transparency and compliance.
Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of violating democratic principles.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 the Election Commission, led by the 10th Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan (1990-96), removed many ineligible names from voter lists, prompting a Bharatiya Janata Party petition after deletions in Uttar Pradesh. Today Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi raise similar objections, reviving ongoing legal debates over roll accuracy and democratic safeguards.

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Democratic Hijack Allegations

Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi lodged fourteen objections to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s Intensive voter-roll revision.
The objections are portrayed as a hijacking of India’s democracy, prompting calls to scrap the revision and impeach the chief commissioner.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke called the revision a democratic hijack and urged commission reforms.
Courts in West Bengal are hearing challenges, noting voter deletions could cut access to welfare benefits.

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