'Differing views normal part of deliberation': EC responds after report flags rift over SIR

NEW DELHI: Election Commission on Wednesday responded to a report flagging differences within the poll panel over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), saying that “differing views and observations” among its members were a normal part of deliberation, while stressing that all final decisions were taken "unanimously"."The ECI is a constitutional body that functions under the strict mandate of Article 324 of the Constitution, statutory rules and established institutional conventions. The Commission operates as a multi-member constitutional body. Written notes, observations, technical suggestions and internal checks-and-balances are standard, ongoing practices designed to ensure complete transparency, legal compliance and operational rigour.

All actions of ECI have been in accordance of laws and instructions of the Commission," EC said in a official statement."All official orders, decisions and administrative directions issued by the Commission carry full legal sanctions and follow established statutory procedures under The Chief Election Commissioner and Other election commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023," it added.

The poll panel said that differing views are normal part of decision making process before a final decision is taken"Differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution. They are a part of the decision-making process before a final decision is taken. Not only the three Commissioners, but every officer of the Commission is fully authorized to give his suggestions to the Commission for improving the electoral system," it said.It also criticised the media report, saying that highlighting specific internal notes over the period of 10 months give only one part of the picture"Highlighting certain specific internal notes/observations spread over the period of 10 months while overlooking the much larger body of approvals, decisions, instructions and initiatives give only one part of the picture," it said.

"The Election Commission of India remains fully committed to executing its constitutional duties with complete integrity, recognizing its vital role in advancing our democracy," it added.The clarification came after an Indian Express report triggered a row by claiming that the two Election Commissioners had raised objections to the Commission's decisions 14 times over the past 10 months during the SIR exercise.Meanwhile, opposition sharpened its attack on the Election Commission over the SIR, claiming it was meant to target electors not aligned to the BJP and its allies.Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also revived his "vote chori" charge against the Election Commission and accused election officials of committing "treason"