Eknath Shinde Critiques Opposition's 'Double Standards' on Election Commission
Maharashtra's Deputy CM Eknath Shinde challenges the opposition's inconsistent stance on the Election Commission ahead of a major protest.
Shinde accuses the opposition of hypocrisy regarding voter data changes.
The Supreme Court is reviewing allegations against the Election Commission.
Opposition parties have won elections under the current Election Commission's oversight.
On October 5, 2026, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde publicly criticized the opposition for what he termed 'double standards' concerning their criticism of the Election Commission of India (ECI). This statement comes in light of the opposition's planned march in Delhi on October 6, aimed at protesting alleged irregularities in the electoral process and voter data discrepancies.
Shinde highlighted that the matter is currently under review by the Supreme Court and questioned the opposition's shifting narrative regarding voter numbers. He stated, 'The matter is currently before the Supreme Court. After the Lok Sabha elections, this same opposition staged protests asking how voter numbers had increased, and now they are asking how voter numbers have decreased; they are engaging in double standards.' He emphasized that while flaws in the electoral process should be addressed, the opposition's silence during their victories contradicts their current criticisms.
In his remarks, Shinde pointed out that the opposition has achieved electoral success in several states, including Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, under the current Election Commission. He questioned the rationale behind their demands for action against governments in West Bengal and Bihar, suggesting that if the ECI is to be criticized, should not the governments in the states where they have won also be scrutinized?
This controversy arises as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced a nationwide protest campaign, dubbed the 'Save Democracy March,' scheduled from October 2 to October 8. The march aims to address concerns over the electoral process and the integrity of voter data, reflecting a growing tension between the ruling coalition and the opposition.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court clarified that it has not approved any modifications to Form 6, which is essential for enrolling new voters. Chief Justice Surya Kant stated, 'Any modified Form 6 has not been approved by us. Let's be clear.' The court is set to examine the allegations surrounding the ECI's decisions and the integrity of the electoral roll systems, indicating that further developments are expected as responses from involved parties are awaited.
