Aaditya Thackeray, a prominent leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), has launched a strong criticism of the Election Commission of India (ECI). He alleges that the commission has abandoned its impartial role and is now functioning in a biased manner. This accusation was spurred by a report from the Indian Express, which highlighted that two Election Commissioners had repeatedly raised concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and electoral roll procedures.

In his comments shared via a post on X, Thackeray expressed his belief that the commission’s actions have significantly disenfranchised many Indian citizens. He declared, “This @ECISVEEP has transformed India into the world’s largest former democracy!”

Thackeray asserted that the commission operates as an agent of a single political party, thereby undermining democratic processes and the voting rights of millions. He lamented the degrading state of universal adult suffrage, a right painstakingly achieved following India’s independence.

Concerns Raised by Opposition Leaders

In addition to Thackeray, other political figures have voiced their concerns over the integrity of the Election Commission. Abhishek Banerjee, the general secretary of Trinamool Congress (TMC), called for the immediate removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. He requested a court-monitored investigation into the commission’s alleged misconduct, particularly in relation to the reported disenfranchisement of voters.

Banerjee noted that the alleged actions of the commission threatened the foundational principles of democracy. He stated, “Disenfranchising lakhs of voters to allegedly benefit one political party strikes at the very foundation of our democracy.” He urged the Supreme Court to intervene, questioning whether a judicial bench led by the Chief Justice of India would take action.

Congress leader P Chidambaram also reacted to the Indian Express report, indicating that if the claims were accurate, they would prompt substantial questions regarding the decisions made by the Election Commission. Chidambaram mentioned two main aspects of concern: the decisions themselves and the decision-making processes that led to them.

ECI Responds to Allegations

The Election Commission of India has sought to address the accusations made against it. Sources within the commission have stated that all decisions, including those concerning the SIR process, have been made unanimously with the consent of both Election Commissioners and the CEC. This attempt to clarify the situation suggests that the commission aims to uphold its integrity amidst the ongoing controversy.

Earlier in April 2026, opposition parties had attempted to initiate the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, claiming grounds of “proven misbehaviour.” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh noted that 73 Opposition Rajya Sabha MPs submitted a notice under specific constitutional provisions demanding Kumar’s removal.

Efforts to remove the CEC have faced challenges, with the Lok Sabha Speaker rejecting a similar motion after thorough consideration. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, C.P. Radhakrishnan, also dismissed the motion aimed at impeaching the Chief Election Commissioner.

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