States » SouthPosted at: Oct 12 2026 4:04PM


EC silence leaves Opposition with no option but to approach CJI: Shivakumar

Bengaluru, Oct 12 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday said the Opposition had been compelled to approach the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to safeguard voting rights and democracy, alleging that the Election Commission of India (ECI) had failed to address its concerns over electoral rolls despite repeated representations.
Framing the proposed march to the Supreme Court as an attempt to seek institutional intervention after other avenues had failed, Shivakumar said the Prime Minister should have called Opposition leaders to hear their grievances when the Election Commission did not respond to their concerns.
“When the Election Commission does not respond despite meeting it, the Prime Minister should have called us and asked what the problem was. In such a situation, there is no option but to meet the Chief Justice,” he said while speaking to reporters during his visit to Chennai.
His remarks came amid the INDIA bloc's efforts to draw the judiciary's attention to alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the exclusion of eligible voters. The CJI has reportedly declined an appointment sought by Opposition leaders.
Asked about the denial of an appointment, Shivakumar said political leaders must use every available opportunity to protect democratic institutions and the voting rights of citizens.
“The right to vote is our right to life. It is our life. Opposition leaders are functioning as the voice of the people of the country,” he said.
Around 200 Congress MLAs, MLCs and party leaders from Karnataka, including Shivakumar, have reached New Delhi to participate in the protest march to the Supreme Court under the leadership of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.
The Congress has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in electoral rolls and the removal of eligible voters. Party leaders have accused the Election Commission of favouring the BJP and the Centre of ignoring repeated representations seeking corrective action.
Congress leader BK Hariprasad said the issue extended beyond the demand for the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation, alleging that 13 crore eligible voters had been excluded from electoral rolls across the country.
The allegations and the Opposition's demand for intervention have intensified the political confrontation over electoral roll integrity and the Election Commission's handling of complaints. The claims of voter exclusion and political bias remain allegations made by Congress leaders.
UNI BDN
Tags: #EC silence leaves Opposition with no option but to approach CJI: Shivakumar
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