Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Opinion Criticizes ECI Lapses and Gyanesh Kumar’s Leadership
This is an opinion article about India’s election body, the Election Commission of India.
It says people questioned the body’s independence before Gyanesh Kumar became its chief.
The author claims that statements by ruling parties were sometimes ignored during elections.
The article also says Opposition leaders were punished without enough checking.
Because of this, the author believes the election process did not give everyone a fair chance.
It points to Centre for the Study of Developing Societies surveys that showed declining trust in the ECI.
The author says Opposition appeals were dismissed.
The article argues that Gyanesh Kumar should answer these concerns directly.
An opinion article argues that the Election Commission of India’s credibility and independence have weakened.
It says political parties and civil society raised concerns before Gyanesh Kumar became the ECI chief.
The article alleges that communal statements by ruling parties were ignored while Opposition leaders faced penalties without proper scrutiny.
It cites Centre for the Study of Developing Societies surveys as evidence of declining public trust in the ECI.
The author says Gyanesh Kumar should address the allegations rather than rely on government defences.
- Who
- The article focuses on Gyanesh Kumar, the Election Commission of India, ruling parties, Opposition leaders, and civil society.
- What
- An opinion article criticizes alleged lapses in the ECI’s functioning and questions its independence and credibility.
- When
- The concerns described arose before Gyanesh Kumar took charge, while the article refers to a recent Indian Express report.
- Where
- India, in relation to the functioning of the Election Commission of India.
- Why
- The author says communal statements by ruling parties were ignored, Opposition leaders were penalized without proper scrutiny, and public trust in the ECI declined.
- Institution
- Election Commission of India (ECI)
- Official discussed
- Gyanesh Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner
- Main criticism
- The author alleges that the ECI has not provided an independent and level playing field.
- Reported concerns
- The article says ruling-party communal statements were ignored and Opposition leaders were penalized without proper scrutiny.
- Public trust
- The article says Centre for the Study of Developing Societies surveys showed consistently declining trust in the ECI.
- Author’s demand
- Gyanesh Kumar should answer the allegations rather than hide behind government defence.