The letter, released amid an ongoing political debate over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleges that the Congress and its leadership have been “consistently undermining” the credibility of constitutional institutions. It warns that such attacks erode public trust and create unnecessary suspicion around India’s democratic mechanisms.
The signatories argue that the ECI remains the “most critical pillar” of the electoral system, and questioning its neutrality without evidence weakens the democratic process. They describe the current political discourse as a “dangerous trend” in which institutions are targeted to explain electoral setbacks.
Rahul Gandhi has held three press conferences in recent weeks, accusing the Commission of colluding with the ruling BJP and terming SIR irregularities “vote theft.” He has also called the ECI the government’s “B team.” The letter notes that despite making serious allegations including using the term “treason”Gandhi has not filed any formal complaint or submitted an affidavit supporting his claims.
The retired officials also emphasised that opposition parties do not criticise the ECI when they win elections, but raise doubts only after losses, calling it “political opportunism.” They praised former Chief Election Commissioners such as T.N. Seshan and N. Gopalaswami for strengthening the institution’s autonomy, adding that “baseless attacks” today harm its legacy.
The letter concludes by urging all political actors to maintain faith in constitutional bodies and support ongoing efforts to clean electoral rolls of fake voters, non-citizens and illegal entrants measures the signatories say are essential for national security and democratic integrity.
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