Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has called for greater transparency in the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI), questioning the circumstances surrounding dissent notes reportedly submitted by two Election Commissioners over a decision taken by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Kharge asked whether the decision was taken unilaterally by Kumar or through consensus among the three members of the Commission. He questioned the need for dissent notes if the decision had been unanimous.
The minister maintained that the notes were authored by the Election Commissioners themselves and not by the Congress. He alleged that pressure was being exerted by the Centre to have the notes withdrawn and questioned why BJP leaders were defending Kumar.
Kharge also raised the issue of judicial immunity granted to the Chief Election Commissioner, asking whether it should be reconsidered in the context of the controversy and the questions surrounding the decision-making process.
Separately, he sought clarification on alleged irregularities in the Election Commission’s software, asking who had authorised the changes and who was responsible for implementing them.
Kharge said several decisions taken by the poll body remained unexplained and called for answers to the questions raised over its functioning.
His remarks have brought renewed attention to demands for greater transparency and accountability in the Election Commission’s decision-making process.
