Stalin, have repeatedly accused the Election Commission under chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar of acting in favour of the ruling BJP, but allegations of partisanship against the poll panel are not new. During the tenure of former CEC Navin Chawla, the BJP had in 2006 petitioned the President seeking his removal. The CBI chief, police chief, the CJI and auditor general have a say. Former CEC Gopalaswami disagreed with the demand for judicial involvement, warning that it could affect the judiciary’s standing. Former CEC Gopalaswami, who has worked with Chawla in the EC, instead pointed to systemic shortcomings, particularly in the maintenance of electoral rolls.

Source: The Telegraph April 11, 2026 10:17 UTC