India’s Election Commission is facing a renewed credibility crisis after reports that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s two colleagues repeatedly challenged decisions concerning voter records and electoral-roll security. Opposition parties have demanded Kumar’s resignation, arguing that the allegations further undermine confidence in elections, while the Commission says differing views are a normal part of decision-making.

The controversy comes during a nationwide Special Intensive Revision of the electoral database, intended to remove duplicate, deceased or otherwise ineligible voters. About 130 million names have reportedly been deleted, while many voters say their names are missing or that the new registration process demands documents they cannot provide. Critics accuse the process of favouring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP, allegations rejected by both the party and the Commission; the reported internal objections have intensified concerns because they appear to come from within the institution itself.