2 Election Commissioners Raised 14 Recorded Objections to Poll Panel Steps in 10 Months

India's Election Commission has faced increased scrutiny after two of its Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, formally raised 14 objections over 10 months, ending in mid August 2026. The objections address procedural and administrative actions taken without their prior knowledge, according to a report by The Indian Express .

Key Objections and Concerns

The objections span issues from unauthorized communications to changes in voter registration processes. Key contentions include:

Communications and decisions being made without Commission approval, such as new IT modules and orders issued in the Commission’s name.

Centralization and control over the electoral roll database raising transparency and security issues.

Unauthorized changes affecting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, particularly involving Form 6, which Joshi described as beyond legal authority.

These disagreements led to direct communication with the Cabinet Secretary and prompted significant internal discussions.

Recent Developments and ECI’s Response

As of September 2026, investigative findings point to a backdrop of internal dissent, primarily linked to how changes were implemented in electoral processes and IT infrastructure. Despite these disputes, the ECI stated that all significant decisions, including those related to SIR, were ultimately passed unanimously, describing the objections as part of standard internal deliberations ( Hindustan Times ).

In response to the objections, the ECI convened an internal meeting on September 26, 2026, where it issued clarifications and reaffirmed the collective agreement on key decisions. The ECI also outlined measures to enhance procedural transparency, including disseminating agendas and minutes in advance.

Political and Public Reactions

Political parties, particularly those aligned with and against the ruling government, have responded strongly. While BJP allies have requested clearer communication to maintain public trust, opposition parties have called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and proposed halting the ongoing SIR process to ensure electoral integrity.

Public discourse, fueled by detailed archives and discussion forums, has continued to debate the implications of these internal objections, focusing on issues of transparency and accountability within the Election Commission.

Conclusion

The objections lodged by Sandhu and Joshi highlight significant internal challenges in the ECI's functioning, drawing attention to the need for greater transparency and consensus in electoral oversight. These developments could lead to further reforms or escalate into broader political and legal challenges.