Ex-Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa Urges Poll Panel to Regain Public Trust Amid Growing Controversies

Livemint Business•Published: Oct 14, 2026 11:29 AM IST

Former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa has publicly warned that the Election Commission must work to regain public trust as it finds itself mired in unprecedented controversies. Speaking at a virtual convention in Kolkata, Lavasa used a cricket analogy to caution that democratic victories lose legitimacy if the electoral umpire is perceived as biased.

Umpire Neutrality Warning: Lavasa stated that it is dangerous for democracy when people feel the umpire is not neutral, noting that citizens will question the winning team's integrity.
Opposition Bloc Protests: The remarks follow unified demonstrations by the opposition INDIA bloc demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral roll irregularities.
Internal Commission Friction: Tensions escalated following reports that two election commissioners objected on record multiple times to decisions issued without their prior knowledge.

The Context & Background

The controversy underscores deepening concerns over the management of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and internal transparency within India's top poll body. Lavasa, who famously recorded dissenting notes during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, emphasized that public anxiety regarding voting rights has reached alarming levels over the past sixteen months.

Why it matters:Public faith in impartial electoral administration is foundational to the survival of a democratic republic. When institutional credibility is compromised and political coalitions protest on the streets, it risks undermining the legitimacy of democratic outcomes across the nation.

Enjoyed this 2-minute breakdown?

Share it with your colleagues and friends!