Manish Tewari Challenges Election Commission's Oversight Amid Calls for Reforms

Congress MP Manish Tewari has called for significant election reforms, questioning the Election Commission’s role in Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He suggests amending the law to include more oppositional and judicial voices in election oversight, emphasizing the need for neutrality and transparency in electoral processes.

Congress MP Manish Tewari has raised concerns over the Election Commission's legitimacy in conducting Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, claiming the process lacks legal grounding. Tewari urged for a halt on SIR, suggesting the current operations contravene established laws and constitutional provisions.

In a Lok Sabha debate on election reforms, Tewari highlighted the necessity to amend the selection process of the Chief Election Commissioner and election commissioners. He proposed including the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and the Chief Justice of India in the selection panel to bolster transparency and trust in electoral management.

Tewari emphasized that India's democratic foundation was built to ensure electoral neutrality and broad enfranchisement, citing significant reforms like Rajiv Gandhi's reduction of voting age. He reiterated that only documented and specific constituency issues should trigger an SIR, prompting critical scrutiny of the Election Commission's actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)