Tejashwi Yadav Accuses EC of Undermining Democracy Over SIR

Tejashwi Yadav Targets Election Commission

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) national working president Tejashwi Yadav on Friday, September 25, 2026, intensified his criticism of the Election Commission over the ongoing controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Yadav alleged that the SIR exercise was excluding eligible voters and said the Election Commission had been reduced to a “tool for undermining democracy”. His remarks were made in a post on X.

Demand to Cancel Recent Elections

Tejashwi Yadav also demanded cancellation of recent elections held in five states, including Bihar.

He questioned why Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had reportedly raised objections to decisions of the poll panel only after several months. The demand is part of the RJD leader's broader criticism of electoral-roll management and the SIR process.

Allegations Over SIR and Eligible Voters

Yadav alleged that the SIR process was resulting in the exclusion of eligible voters from electoral rolls.

The RJD leader has repeatedly raised concerns about electoral-roll revisions, voter registration procedures and changes involving additions, deletions and restoration of names. These allegations are political claims and have not been established as findings by a court or independent authority.

Reports of Objections by Two Election Commissioners

The latest remarks followed a report by The Indian Express stating that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally objected on at least 14 occasions over a period of around 10 months.

The reported objections related to matters including voter additions and deletions, restoration of names and changes to the voter registration process, including Form 6. Opposition parties have cited the report while questioning the functioning and transparency of the Election Commission.

Election Commission's Response

The Election Commission has rejected the interpretation that differences or objections raised during internal deliberations indicate a breakdown within the institution.

The ECI has said that internal checks and balances, observations and differences of opinion are normal in a multi-member constitutional body. It has also maintained that decisions relating to the SIR process were taken unanimously and according to established legal and statutory procedures.

Chirag Paswan Responds

Union Minister Chirag Paswan, while responding to questions over demands for the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, said the Election Commission should firmly present its position if questions were being raised against it.

His remarks came amid growing political criticism of the poll panel and demands from Opposition leaders for greater transparency and accountability.

Wider Opposition Campaign Against EC

Tejashwi Yadav's latest remarks came amid a broader Opposition campaign against the Election Commission.

Congress and other Opposition leaders have been holding demonstrations in several states over the SIR exercise and reported internal differences within the poll panel. Protesters have demanded greater transparency in electoral-roll management and, in some cases, the resignation or removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

Tejashwi's Earlier Demands

Tejashwi Yadav had also previously demanded fresh elections in Bihar and West Bengal while questioning the functioning of the Election Commission.

He has raised concerns about electoral-roll revision, voter registration procedures and the retention period for election-related records. The Election Commission has maintained that its decisions are made under the applicable legal framework.

Key Takeaways

• Tejashwi Yadav accused the Election Commission of being reduced to a tool for undermining democracy.

• He alleged that the SIR process was excluding eligible voters.

• Yadav demanded cancellation of recent elections in five states, including Bihar.

• His remarks followed reports of objections raised by Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.

• The reported objections covered voter additions, deletions, restoration and changes to Form 6.

• The Election Commission said differing views and internal checks are normal within a multi-member constitutional body.

• The ECI has maintained that SIR-related decisions were taken through established procedures and unanimously.

• The controversy remains part of a wider political dispute over electoral-roll revision and the functioning of the Election Commission.