Election Commission credibility under strain amid partisan conduct allegations

India's elections depend on the Election Commission of India (ECI) being seen as impartial and independent. However, growing political scrutiny has weakened public trust in the institution. Opposition parties and civil-society observers have repeatedly alleged that the Commission has been more accommodating toward the ruling establishment than toward its critics.

Several recent tenures have been marked by controversy. During A.K. Joti's tenure, criticism arose over the timing of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh election announcements and handling of the office-of-profit case involving 20 Aam Aadmi Party legislators. Sunil Arora's 2019 Lok Sabha election saw internal disagreement over complaints against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, with Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa recording a dissent before resigning.

Rajiv Kumar's tenure faced disputes over voter-turnout data and Model Code of Conduct complaints during the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Current Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar faces removal motions containing nine allegations, including claims of partisan enforcement and electoral-roll irregularities.