Country needs T. N. Seshan-type Election Commissioner, not BJP’s tool kit: Tony

Jammu, May 8, 2026: Senior Congress leader and former DDC Suchetgarh Taranjit Singh Tony on Friday said that the country today needs an Election Commissioner like T. N. Seshan, who upheld democracy with courage and independence, instead of an Election Commission that is allegedly functioning under political pressure from the BJP.

Launching a scathing attack on the Election Commission under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Tony alleged that the credibility and neutrality of the constitutional institution are being seriously questioned across the country.

 “The Election Commission was once feared by ruling parties because it protected democracy without bias. Today, unfortunately, people feel the Commission is acting selectively and favouring the BJP through controversial exercises like SIR just ahead of elections,” Tony alleged.

Referring to the voter revision controversy in West Bengal, Tony claimed that large-scale deletions from electoral rolls and complaints raised by opposition parties have deepened public distrust in the electoral process. “When such actions take place before elections, people naturally suspect political manipulation and misuse of constitutional institutions,” he said.

Tony further alleged that the BJP is trying to weaken democratic opposition by controlling institutions that are meant to remain independent. “Democracy survives only when elections are free, fair and transparent. If institutions begin serving one political party, then the spirit of the Constitution comes under attack,” he claimed.

Calling upon citizens to remain vigilant, Tony said people must peacefully defend their democratic and voting rights. “The country cannot allow democratic institutions to become tools of political power. India needs fearless institutions, not politically controlled systems,” he added.