NDA partners to EC: Clarify, problematic if people begin to doubt electoral process

After Chirag Paswan, other BJP allies additionally ask EC for 'clarification' "Problematic if people begin to doubt electoral process, " states Chirag Paswan; clarification "will only help strengthen public confidence", notes TDP.

Key points

• 3 min read Hyderabad, New Delhi, Patna Sep 26, 2026 03: 25 AM IST First published on: Sep 25, 2026 at 04: 54 PM IST.
• RLM chief and Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha informed The Indian Express, What has transpired so far is that there is surely an problem with the EC's functioning.
• Responding to the Express investigation on September 23, the EC acknowledged these notes but described them as part of the panel's "decision-making process".
• "Differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution, " the Commission remarked in a press note signed by Deputy Director P Pawan.
• 8 emails in 7 days, but valid Goa voters still left out: EC's flawed system.

From N Chandrababu Naidu's (left) TDP to LJP (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan (middle) and RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha, leaders throughout NDA allies have kicked off demanding clarification from the Election Commission of India. (Express photo). Written by: Santosh Singh, Nikhila Henry, Jatin Anand.

For context, the BJP's allies on Friday remarked Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar must "dispel misgivings in the minds of the people" and problem a clarification on the differences in the poll panel over Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

For context, the statements from the Telugu Desam Party, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) came as the Opposition sought answers on the rift in the Election Commission (EC). The Indian Express on September 23 documented that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had objected on record at least 14 times in 10 months to SIR-related decisions taken without their knowledge and glaring gaps in processes.

"If questions are being raised regarding the Election Commission. It is an independent constitutional body, responsibility lies with the CEC to present his stance clearly. It is problematic if individuals commence to doubt the electoral process itself. The EC needs to present its stance, not to Rahul Gandhi, but to the public. But it must dispel misgivings in the minds of individuals, " Union Minister and LJP (RV) chief Chirag Paswan stated to journalists.

TDP's Lok Sabha floor leader Lavu Srikrishna Devarayalu remarked the SIR was "conducted in a transparent manner" in Andhra Pradesh, but went on, "Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India is a constitutional institution entrusted with a crucial responsibility in our democracy. Therefore, whenever questions are raised by anyone, providing appropriate clarification and maintaining transparency will only support strengthen public confidence in the institution."

RLM chief and Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha informed The Indian Express, "What has transpired so far is that there is surely an problem with the EC's functioning. Whatever may be the case, the EC must clarify its position. It must clarify the questions being raised and reservations being flagged."

एस आइ आर से संबंधित विवाद पर जनता में काफी उलझन की स्थिति पैदा हो गई है। विषय को एड्रेस करने की जरूरत है। कंफ्यूजन दूर करने हेतु चुनाव आयोग के द्वारा अविलंब सही स्थिति पर स्पष्टीकरण आना चाहिए। @ECISVEEP. Upendra Kushwaha (@UpendraKushRLM) September 25, 2026.

JD(U) spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan asked why the Opposition had not filed any official complaint "if the allegations are true".

"The RJD was aware that it was going to be defeated. They kept trying to blame the Election Commission repeatedly. But the Election Commission of India sought a clarification when allegations of irregularities in the SIR were raised, and submitted that if there are so plenty of accusations, why is there no official complaint, " he stated to journalists.

Responding to the Express investigation on September 23, the EC acknowledged these notes but described them as part of the panel's "decision-making process". Nevertheless, it neither responded to any of the worries raised by the two Commissioners nor stated whether or how it addressed them.

"They are a part of the decision-making process before a final decision is taken." The "written notes, observations, technical suggestions and internal checks-and-balances" by its members, it remarked, were "standard, ongoing practices", and "the suggestions given by the Commissioners were for further improving the electoral processes".

For now, NDA partners to EC: Clarify, problematic if people begin to doubt electoral remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.