India’s Election Commission credibility is under fire with allegations of voter fraud, faulty rolls, and political pressure. Can ECI restore public trust?
A Trusted Institution Under Scrutiny
India’s Election Commission (ECI), once considered one of the most trusted pillars of the world’s largest democracy, is now facing a serious test of credibility. Over recent weeks, opposition parties have accused the commission of voter manipulation, faulty electoral rolls, and collusion with the ruling party. While the ECI has strongly denied these charges, the growing controversy has cast doubts on its impartiality.
Opposition’s Rising Pressure
Opposition leaders, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, have launched large-scale protests against the ECI. Gandhi has even initiated a Voter Adhikar Yatra (Voter Rights March) across Bihar to highlight alleged discrepancies in voter lists. He accused the ECI of allowing over 100,000 fake voters in Karnataka and claimed that Bihar’s electoral roll revision unfairly disenfranchised thousands of genuine voters, including migrants. India’s Election Commission Credibility
Though opposition parties considered an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner, they currently lack the parliamentary numbers to carry it forward.
Electoral Rolls Controversy in Bihar
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s voter list in 2025 has been at the center of the storm. The ECI removed 6.5 million names, citing duplicates, deceased voters, and invalid addresses. Critics argue that the rushed process and strict documentation requirements excluded many legitimate voters.
The publication of errors — including wrong photos, genders, and even names of deceased individuals — fueled further criticism. The Supreme Court eventually intervened, instructing the ECI to publish a searchable list with clear reasons for exclusions. India’s Election Commission Credibility
ECI’s Pushback
In a rare press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar dismissed allegations of “vote theft” as an insult to the constitution. He demanded Gandhi submit a signed affidavit proving his claims or issue a public apology. Instead of quelling tensions, this stance triggered more outrage, with opposition leaders accusing the commission of behaving like a political entity.
Experts’ View on Credibility Crisis
Former election commissioners like N Gopalaswami argue that large-scale voter list revisions often lead to big changes in numbers. However, experts warn that the real issue is not just technical accuracy but public trust. SY Quraishi, another former election commissioner, stressed that the perception of impartiality is as vital as its actual functioning. India’s Election Commission Credibility
Declining Trust in the ECI
A Lokniti-CSDS survey revealed a sharp drop in public trust in the Election Commission since 2019. In Uttar Pradesh, distrust has nearly tripled, rising from 11% in 2019 to 31% in 2025. Analysts warn that such a credibility deficit threatens the democratic foundation, especially with crucial elections ahead in Bihar and beyond. India’s Election Commission Credibility
The Road Ahead
The Election Commission now faces its biggest challenge — restoring public trust. Transparency in voter lists, impartial handling of complaints, and balanced communication with all political stakeholders are crucial steps. With state elections looming, how the ECI addresses these concerns will determine whether it can reclaim its standing as the guardian of India’s democratic credibility. India’s Election Commission Credibility
