Sat Sep 06 17:57:03 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

A seminar held in Bengaluru, India, featuring Supreme Court advocate Sanjay Hegde and journalist Dinesh Amin Mattu, highlighted concerns about the perceived partisanship and credibility of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Hegde argued that the ECI is increasingly focused on voter exclusion, disproportionately affecting minorities and the poor, and criticized the current appointment process for Election Commissioners. Mattu pointed to deeper structural issues within the Indian electoral system, beyond just concerns about EVMs and voter rolls. The discussion also involved activists who raised alarms about flawed voter list revisions in Bihar targeting “illegal immigrants” and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam. The overall sentiment expressed was that the integrity and fairness of India’s democratic processes are under threat.

## News Article:

**Concerns Raised Over Partisanship of Election Commission of India**

**Bengaluru, September 6, 2025** – A seminar held in Bengaluru on Saturday ignited debate about the impartiality of the Election Commission of India (ECI), with legal and media experts voicing concerns over the institution’s perceived bias.

Supreme Court advocate Sanjay Hegde, speaking at “Gauri Day 2025,” asserted that the ECI is increasingly being viewed as partisan and focusing on voter exclusion, disproportionately impacting minorities and the poor. He criticized the appointment process for Election Commissioners, claiming the government’s control undermines public trust. “If the Commission is seen as partisan, the public will view elections as a fixed match,” Hegde warned.

Journalist Dinesh Amin Mattu echoed these concerns, attributing current electoral controversies to deeper structural problems within India’s election system. He stated the issue extends beyond discussions on EVMs and voter rolls, pointing to the need for significant reforms.

Activists participating in the panel discussion flagged issues such as flawed voter list revisions in Bihar, allegedly targeting “illegal immigrants,” and the continued ambiguity surrounding the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam. They argued that these actions further erode public confidence in the fairness and integrity of India’s democratic process.

The seminar, which included civil rights activists like Teesta Setalvad and Tara Rao, underscored growing anxieties regarding the state of Indian democracy and the vital role of the Election Commission in ensuring free and fair elections.

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