New Delhi: A political dispute has intensified over alleged differences within the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with opposition parties seeking greater transparency and accountability.

The controversy followed a report by The Indian Express claiming that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections over certain decisions related to the electoral roll revision process. The ECI has said that internal discussions and differing views are part of institutional functioning and maintained that all final decisions on the SIR exercise were taken unanimously.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, Left parties, Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Shiv Sena (UBT), have demanded disclosures of relevant records and called for a review of the process. Several leaders have also sought the resignation or removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The BJP has rejected the allegations, describing them as politically motivated, and defended the functioning of the poll panel. Union Minister Chirag Paswan said the Election Commission should clearly present its position to address concerns and maintain public confidence in the electoral process.

Former Union minister P Chidambaram and other opposition leaders have questioned the ECI’s claim of unanimity and sought publication of documents related to the decisions.

The dispute has also led to protests by Congress workers in several states. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has reiterated that its procedures follow legal provisions and that internal notes and queries are a normal part of deliberations in a multi-member constitutional body.