NDA Leaders Back Open Letter by 42 Former Judges, Criticise INDIA Bloc Over Election Commission Row

The leaders alleged that the Opposition's criticism of constitutional authorities could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions and urged its members to reconsider their approach.

Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav welcomed the former judges' intervention, describing their concerns as justified. He alleged that questions raised against the Election Commission were part of an attempt to weaken the constitutional framework and accused the Opposition of creating an atmosphere of instability.

BJP national spokesperson Guru Prakash also criticised the Opposition, claiming that its allegations lacked supporting evidence. He referred to the Supreme Court's observations concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and Form 6, which is used to apply for inclusion in the electoral roll.

Prakash said the concerns expressed by former judges with experience in constitutional institutions should prompt Opposition leaders to reflect on their statements and actions.

Janata Dal (United) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan similarly argued that the letter reflected wider concerns about the political debate surrounding constitutional authorities. He said Opposition leaders should consider the implications of their criticism of institutions responsible for safeguarding democratic processes.

BJP leader Mrityunjay Tiwari also welcomed the intervention, questioning why INDIA bloc leaders were raising concerns about constitutional institutions and alleging that such criticism could undermine public confidence in democracy and the Constitution.

The letter, issued on Thursday, was signed by 42 former judges, including three former High Court Chief Justices: B.C. Patel, former Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi High Courts; Subhro Kamal Mukherjee, former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court; and Permod Kohli, former Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court.

In the letter, the signatories questioned allegations of electoral malpractice made against constitutional authorities, arguing that accusations such as vote theft should be supported by evidence. They also warned that repeatedly describing constitutional officials as corrupt or compromised could erode public trust in democratic institutions.

The former judges defended the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, describing it as a legally established process intended to improve the accuracy and integrity of voter lists.

The controversy comes amid protests by INDIA bloc parties over the Election Commission's functioning and the SIR exercise, with Opposition leaders raising concerns about the electoral process and demanding accountability from the poll panel.

The exchange has brought competing arguments over electoral integrity, institutional credibility and political accountability into sharper focus, with NDA leaders backing the former judges' intervention and criticising the Opposition's approach.