Srinagar, September 23, 2026: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for corrective measures in the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI), saying that any erosion of public confidence in elections could affect participation in the democratic process.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Abdullah referred to a recent Indian Express investigation reporting that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on at least 14 occasions over a 10-month period regarding decisions and communications they said were issued without their knowledge or approval.
Abdullah Raises Concerns Over Delimitation
Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir had raised concerns over the delimitation exercise before the issue of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls became a national political controversy.
He alleged that the delimitation process was opaque and flawed and claimed it had been designed to benefit a particular political party and its supporters. These are Abdullah’s political allegations, rather than independently established findings.
The Chief Minister said the reported differences within the poll panel warranted examination by the ECI and the Union Government, particularly in cases where eligible voters could potentially be prevented from exercising their franchise.
ECI Says Decisions Were Unanimous
The Election Commission, in a statement issued on September 23, rejected the suggestion that internal objections indicated a breakdown in its functioning.
The ECI said written notes, observations and technical suggestions are part of the normal deliberative process within a multi-member constitutional body. It maintained that all decisions, including those concerning SIR, were taken unanimously by the full Commission, and that official orders followed statutory procedures and carried legal sanction.
The Commission also said its digital platforms operate under security protocols and audit controls designed to prevent unauthorised manipulation of electoral data.
Voter Rolls and Passport Issue
Abdullah also referred to instances where people whose names had allegedly been removed from electoral rolls were subsequently denied passports. He questioned whether removal from voter lists should have consequences for other civic rights and services.
J&K Assembly Functioning
On the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdullah said legislative business had continued despite disruptions.
He pointed out that BJP members had participated in discussions and raised questions in the House, while legislation had also been debated and passed. He said further resolutions, including discussions concerning teacher training and the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), would come before the Assembly.
Debate Over Books and History
Abdullah also commented on the removal and banning of books, saying he had his own views on restrictions on books but noted that the elected J&K Government did not currently have authority over such matters.
He further criticised the BJP’s interpretation of aspects of India’s freedom movement and contrasted it with the historical role he attributed to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and the National Conference.
These remarks reflect Abdullah’s political interpretation of history and the freedom movement and remain part of the ongoing political debate in Jammu and Kashmir.
