124 ex-officials defend EC, reject vote-rigging claims
· India · Times of India, NDTV
A group of 124 former IAS, IFS and allied services officers issued an open letter defending the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The signatories, including former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal, argued that allegations of vote rigging must be backed by credible evidence. They cited safeguards such as EVM sealing, strong-room security, VVPAT verification, and polling agents. Referring to Bihar’s 2025 Assembly elections, they noted no re-polling and the highest voter turnout since 1951. The letter highlighted that the BJP-led government lost several state elections and its parliamentary majority in 2024 under the same EC.
Why it matters
The defence of electoral integrity by former civil servants aims to reinforce public trust in India's democratic processes amid rising allegations of vote rigging. It directly impacts voters, political parties, and election oversight bodies by emphasizing the burden of proof on accusers.
Read the original report — Times of India
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.