Trinamool Congress hits out at Election Commission over delayed RTI response

The Trinamool Congress has alleged that the Election Commission of India has not responded to an RTI application filed 84 days ago, sparking fresh questions about the regulatory body's transparency standards. Former Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale, who filed the request, said the information sought relates to the party's registration records, financial statements, office-bearer details and donation contribution reports.

Gokhale's RTI plea specifically sought data on how unrecognised political parties are scrutinised and monitored by the Election Commission. The non-disclosure of such information, he argued, prevents independent verification of the regulatory processes governing political parties that have not achieved recognised status under election laws.

The allegation comes at a time when questions over political funding and party registration have assumed heightened importance in Indian electoral discourse. The delayed response, according to the Trinamool Congress, reflects a broader concern about the accessibility of public information regarding electoral governance and the oversight mechanisms for smaller political organisations.

The Election Commission has not yet publicly responded to the allegations regarding the delayed RTI response. Under RTI norms, government bodies are typically required to furnish requested information within 30 days, with a possible extension of another 20 days under specified circumstances.