The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) expresses grave concern over the alarming allegations of electoral malpractice and collusion involving the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Election Commission of India, and certain private agencies. These allegations, if proven true, strike at the very heart of India’s democratic principles and the integrity of its electoral processes.

It has come to light that the BJP is accused of colluding with the Election Commission to add fake voters to electoral rolls in Delhi and Maharashtra, with the alleged involvement of two agencies—Association of Billion Minds and India 360. These agencies are said to have added residents of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana to West Bengal’s voter lists, a state scheduled for Assembly elections in 2026. This blatant manipulation of voter rolls undermines the sanctity of the Electors Photo Identification Card (EPIC), a crucial document that ensures the right of every Indian citizen over the age of 18 to vote.

While the Election Commission has claimed that the duplication of voter ID numbers across states does not imply the addition of fake voters, citing the use of the same alphanumeric series by different states, this explanation is neither convincing nor acceptable. The SDPI demands a thorough, independent investigation into these allegations to ensure transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, the rushed appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner raises serious questions about the BJP’s attempts to influence the electoral process. This appointment was made hours after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged the Union government to defer the decision until the Supreme Court adjudicates on petitions challenging the selection process under the new law. Such actions erode public trust in the impartiality of the Election Commission and the fairness of India’s electoral system.

The SDPI calls upon all democratic forces, civil society organizations, and the people of India to unite in safeguarding the integrity of our democracy. We urge the Election Commission to take immediate steps to address these allegations, ensure the accuracy of voter rolls, and restore faith in the electoral process.

The SDPI remains committed to upholding the principles of democracy, justice, and equality. We will continue to fight against any attempts to undermine the democratic rights of the people of India.

Mohammad Shafi
National Vice President
Social Democratic Party of India