Throwing Mud on EC Amounts to Throwing Mud on Democracy’: BJP’s Prakash Reddy Amid SIR Row

Prakash Reddy Defends Election Commission

BJP leader Prakash Reddy on September 28, 2026, criticised Opposition parties over their continuing criticism of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Reddy argued that questioning or attacking the functioning of the poll panel amounted to undermining democratic and constitutional institutions. He said political parties have the right to raise grievances but should avoid targeting the Election Commission and the electoral system.

‘Institutions Are More Important’

Reddy said individuals should not be considered more important than constitutional institutions.

He urged political parties to allow the Election Commission to carry out its responsibilities without interference, while acknowledging that Opposition parties have the right to discuss their concerns about the electoral process.

According to Reddy, criticism of the Election Commission should not extend to allegations that undermine confidence in the electoral system.

BJP Leader Rejects Reports of ECI Dissent

Reddy also rejected claims that there was institutional dissent within the Election Commission over the SIR process.

His comments came after an Indian Express report said Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on several occasions concerning decisions and orders related to SIR and other electoral matters.

The report cited at least 14 instances of objections over a 10-month period, including issues concerning Form 6, voter deletions and access to electoral-roll databases.

ECI Says Decisions Were Unanimous

The Election Commission has rejected the interpretation that the reported objections amounted to institutional dissent.

The poll panel said operational questions, suggestions and observations during the drafting or administrative stages are part of its normal decision-making process. The ECI maintained that final decisions, including those concerning the SIR exercise, were taken unanimously with the approval of all three commissioners.

Opposition Raises Concerns Over SIR

The controversy comes amid continuing Opposition criticism of the Election Commission's functioning and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), have called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, according to the ANI report.

The Opposition's concerns over SIR and the functioning of the poll panel remain part of an ongoing political dispute, while the ECI has defended its procedures and decision-making process.

INDIA Bloc Meeting Expected

The issue is also expected to be discussed by Opposition parties in a broader political meeting.

CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya said an INDIA bloc meeting was expected on September 30 to discuss the SIR exercise and the functioning of the Election Commission. He also suggested that participation should not be limited to existing bloc partners.

Political Debate Over Electoral Institutions

The statements by Prakash Reddy come as political parties continue to debate the role and functioning of the Election Commission during the SIR exercise.

While Reddy has argued that criticism of the poll panel can undermine confidence in democratic institutions, Opposition parties have raised concerns about electoral-roll revision and the functioning of the ECI. The Election Commission has maintained that its final decisions are unanimous.

The dispute therefore combines political disagreements over SIR with a broader debate about transparency, institutional functioning and confidence in India's electoral process.

Key Takeaways

• BJP leader Prakash Reddy criticised Opposition parties over their allegations against the Election Commission.

• Reddy said attacking the EC amounted to undermining democracy and constitutional institutions.

• He urged political parties to respect the functioning of the Election Commission.

• The controversy is linked to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

• The ECI has rejected claims of institutional dissent and said final decisions were unanimous.

• Opposition parties have continued to raise concerns about SIR and the functioning of the poll panel.

• An INDIA bloc meeting was expected on September 30 to discuss the SIR exercise and the Election Commission.