Election Commission denies opposition MPs sought formal meeting

Opposition parties staged a protest outside the All India Radio building in Delhi on Wednesday, demanding a meeting with Election Commission chief Gyanesh Kumar over concerns related to the commission's functioning. However, the Election Commission refuted claims that lawmakers had formally requested an audience, stating that no such appeal was received.

The demonstration was led by India bloc legislators who gathered outside the Akashvani Bhavan premises to press their demands for an audience with the poll body's leadership. The opposition has raised several objections regarding what it describes as irregularities in the commission's conduct.

In response to the protest, the Election Commission asserted that established protocols must be followed for scheduling meetings with its senior officials. According to the commission, any request for a meeting requires a formal appeal that specifies the purpose of the engagement and proposed timing, procedures the opposition had not adhered to.

The standoff underscores ongoing tensions between the election watchdog and opposition parties, with the poll body insisting it follows transparent and standardized procedures for all meeting requests. The commission has maintained that it remains open to engagement with political parties, provided they follow the prescribed channels and protocols.