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The Congress on Saturday criticised the Election Commission (EC), accusing it of making a "mockery" of the Constitution while celebrating National Voters' Day.

Congress leaders voiced concerns over the erosion of the poll panel’s independence and professionalism, which they believe has been severely compromised under the influence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

In a post on X, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "Even as we celebrate National Voters' Day, the ceaseless erosion of the institutional integrity of the Election Commission of India, in the last ten years, is a matter of grave national concern."

Even as we celebrate National Voter’s day, the ceaseless erosion of the institutional integrity of the Election Commission of India, in the last ten years, is a matter of grave national concern.

Our Election Commission of India and our Parliamentary Democracy, despite… pic.twitter.com/W6QgzEt75o

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) January 25, 2025

 

He added that despite decades of doubts, the EC and India’s parliamentary democracy had turned out to be impartial and globally respected models.

However, Kharge cautioned that complacency in protecting democratic processes could inadvertently pave the way for authoritarianism, urging the protection of the independence of institutions to preserve democracy.

Kharge highlighted that the realisation of universal adult suffrage, including at grassroots levels like panchayats and urban local bodies, reflects the vision of India’s founders.

He stressed that safeguarding the independence of these institutions is essential to uphold the constitutional principles on which democracy stands.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also took to X, accusing the EC of making a "mockery" of the Constitution.

 

आज के दिन को वर्ष 2011 से राष्ट्रीय मतदाता दिवस के रूप में मनाया जाता है। 75 साल पहले आज ही दिन 25 जनवरी, 1950 को चुनाव आयोग अस्तित्व में आया था।

चुनाव आयोग एक संवैधानिक संस्था है। इसके पहले अध्यक्ष प्रख्यात सुकुमार सेन थे जिन्होंने हमारे चुनावी लोकतंत्र की नींव रखने में… pic.twitter.com/89Aov5zF6M

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) January 25, 2025

 
He wrote, "There will be a lot of self-congratulation today but that will not obscure the fact that the Election Commission as it has been functioning makes a mockery of the Constitution and is an insult to the voters themselves."

Ramesh also recalled the EC’s history, noting that it was established on January 25, 1950, a day before India became a republic.

He praised the contributions of the EC’s first chairman, Sukumar Sen, who led the commission during its formative years, noting his pivotal role in the nation’s first general elections in 1951-52.

Ramesh further remarked that some of the recent decisions of the Election Commission were "shockingly partisan" and have been challenged in the Supreme Court.

He specifically cited concerns raised over the assembly elections in Haryana and Maharashtra, where the EC's actions have drawn criticism.