Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav has recently voiced serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Modi government, accusing them of undermining the integrity of constitutional institutions, particularly the Election Commission of India (ECI). Yadav's statements echo similar concerns raised by other opposition leaders, fueling the ongoing debate about the impartiality and independence of key institutions in the country.
Yadav asserted that the BJP's IT cell has advance knowledge of election dates before the ECI officially announces them. He claims this alleged prior knowledge points to a deeper issue of "institutional hijack" by the Modi government since 2014. He stated that constitutional institutions must carry out their duties honestly and everyone needs to stay alert.
The ECI is a constitutional body responsible for conducting free and fair elections to the Parliament, State Legislative Assemblies, State Legislative Councils, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. It operates under the powers granted by Article 324 of the Constitution. The commission decides the dates for filing nominations, voting, counting, and announcement of results. It is headed by the Chief Election Commissioner and consists of two Election Commissioners.
Yadav's accusations raise questions about the ECI's autonomy and its ability to function without external influence. He is not alone in expressing such concerns. Previously, Yadav has accused the ECI of becoming a "cheerleader" for the BJP, alleging that the commission is losing the trust of the people and failing to address the opposition's concerns. He also criticized the appointment of the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, suggesting that the ECI has become a proxy for the ruling party.
These allegations come at a time when the ECI is gearing up for crucial elections, including the Bihar Assembly elections slated for October or November 2025. The commission is taking steps to address voter list issues, monitor AI-generated promotional materials, and ensure transparent updates to the electoral rolls. It also aims to avoid clashing with major festivals like Diwali and Chhat Pooja when setting the poll dates.
The political climate in Bihar is already charged, with the BJP-JD(U) alliance facing scrutiny over issues like unemployment and infrastructure gaps. Opposition parties like RJD are campaigning aggressively on promises of social justice and employment guarantees. Yadav's recent statements add another layer of complexity to the upcoming elections, potentially intensifying the political rivalry and raising further questions about the fairness of the electoral process.
The ECI has faced challenges in the past, including issues related to electoral roll management, electoral malpractices, and ensuring inclusivity and voter turnout. The commission has also been criticized for its limited powers, such as the inability to de-register political parties even for serious violations.
In light of these challenges and the recent allegations, it remains to be seen how the ECI will address concerns about its impartiality and independence. The commission's actions in the coming months will be crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring that the upcoming elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
