New Delhi: Opposition leaders have launched an aggressive critique of the Election Commission of India (EC), accusing it of acting as the BJP’s ‘B team’ and maligning its integrity following a press conference that they say failed to address serious electoral concerns.

CPM MP John Brittas unleashed criticism at a press conference of the INDIA alliance, labelling the Election Commission as the BJP’s ‘B team.’ He described the Commission’s press event as a "declaration of war against the opposition."

Brittas highlighted a comment by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, noting that high numbers of homeless citizens were listed with house number 0. He challenged Kumar’s logic, asking, “Will he say there are crores of people who do not have parents, they are orphans and that's why their parents' name is ABCDEFG? He has to explain that also.”

Brittas also slammed the Commission’s conduct, stating, “The best way is that the Election Commission should merge with the BJP so that the country saves so much of resources and money? Why should we need to pay so much of taxes to run such institutions which are B team of the political party?... The country has lost its trust and confidence in a constitutional position. He was speaking like a third rate politician.”

What did other opposition leaders say?

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused the Election Commission of deflecting from its core responsibilities. Instead of answering questions about possible irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Gogoi said the Commission switched the focus onto political parties.

TMC MP Mahua Moitra was equally scathing, calling the Chief Election Commissioner’s press conference a “puppet show.”

These comments came during a joint press briefing by INDIA alliance leaders, intended as a direct response to the Election Commission’s recent public address.

What are the allegations behind the criticism?

Opposition parties have criticised the SIR process in states such as Bihar, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, raising concerns about unexplained deletions and additions in voter rolls. They've questioned the fairness of the process and its timing ahead of crucial elections.

There is also consideration within the INDIA bloc to move an impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, accusing the Commission of bias and mishandling electoral matters

Supreme Court hearings are currently underway regarding the legality of the SIR process in Bihar, with judges ordering the Election Commission to publish deleted voter lists and accept Aadhaar and voter ID for corrections.

(With agency inputs)