"BJP Manipulates Voter Lists Before Every Election While the Election Commission Remains a Silent Spectator” – Anurag Dhanda
Chandigarh/Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Following the Supreme Court’s strong remarks regarding the ongoing special voter list revision process in Bihar ahead of the assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, Anurag Dhanda, AAP’s National Media In-Charge and senior leader, stated that it has once again become evident that the BJP routinely manipulates voter lists before every election, and the Election Commission facilitates this manipulation. He emphasized that this is not a new tactic. In states like Haryana, Maharashtra and Delhi, a clear pattern of mass-scale tampering has been seen before each election. Lakhs of names have been deleted, fake names added and deliberate distortions made to disrupt caste and regional balance.
Dhanda alleged that the same conspiracy is now being executed in Bihar. He added that the Supreme Court’s concerns today echo what the AAP and the public have been raising consistently. However, neither the Election Commission nor the Modi-led central government has provided a clear explanation to date.
He further said that serious questions are now being raised across the country regarding the functioning of the Election Commission—an institution entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring free and fair elections. Yet, it appears to be functioning in a biased and one-sided manner. Particularly troubling is the secretive manipulation of voter lists just before elections, which he warned undermines the very foundation of the electoral process.
The Aam Aadmi Party put forward three key demands to the Election Commission:
1. The immediate suspension of the special voter list revision currently underway in Bihar.
2. An independent and judicial investigation into the entire process.
3. Timely and transparent information to all political parties to ensure fair and credible electoral participation.
Dhanda concluded by warning that if the Election Commission loses the trust of the people, the foundation of democracy itself will be shaken. Citizens must feel confident that their votes are protected and that no political party is being unfairly favored.
He also emphasized that this is no longer just a concern of opposition parties, but a matter of public anxiety and unrest. The Election Commission must introspect, review its actions, and restore its impartiality.