New Delhi, November 19: A group of 272 public figures from across India has issued an open letter accusing Rahul Gandhi of repeatedly attacking major constitutional institutions without submitting any formal evidence. The letter signals a coordinated stand by retired judges, senior bureaucrats, diplomats, and military officers who say this kind of public rhetoric weakens trust in the systems that keep India’s democracy functioning.
Who Signed the Letter
The signatories form a wide coalition of retired officials. The list includes 16 former judges from the Supreme Court and various High Courts, 123 retired bureaucrats, 14 former ambassadors, and 133 retired armed forces officers. Names such as former RAW chief Sanjeev Tripathi and former Jammu and Kashmir DGP S.P. Vaid stand out. The group presents its move as a warning against what it calls a growing pattern of unproven accusations directed at important national institutions.
Focus of the Letter
The letter, titled “Assault on National Constitutional Institutions,” states that Rahul Gandhi has made repeated claims against the Election Commission of India (ECI) but has not filed sworn affidavits or official complaints to support them. The signatories say this shows a disregard for legal procedures meant to handle such allegations and turns serious issues into political statements without accountability.
The “Atomic Bomb” Statement
The letter highlights Gandhi’s claim that he has an “atomic bomb” of evidence to prove that the ECI is involved in electoral manipulation. The signatories call this an irresponsible claim. They argue that if such evidence exists, it should be handed over through proper legal methods rather than used for dramatic public speeches. They state that such statements create unnecessary doubt about elections and hurt the credibility of officers who run the system.
A Pattern of Targeting Institutions
The group links this episode to what it sees as a larger trend of attacking institutions whenever politically convenient. They list earlier allegations aimed at the armed forces, the judiciary, and Parliament, and now the Election Commission. They argue that this constant cycle lowers the morale of officials who depend on public faith to do their jobs. They frame this as a long-term risk to democratic stability.
Defense of the SIR Process
Responding to criticism about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the letter says the ECI carried out the process with full transparency under court guidance. The revision included removing voters who were no longer eligible and adding those who met the requirements. The signatories describe this as basic administrative work that maintains clean voter lists. They reject attempts to portray this process as political wrongdoing.
Selective Outrage
The letter states that criticism of the Election Commission appears only when election results are not favorable. When victories happen, the same institution is accepted without any objection. The signatories say this shows political strategy rather than genuine concerns about electoral processes. They view this pattern as harmful because it produces doubt without offering evidence.
Warning About Political Rhetoric
The signatories argue that the bigger threat to India’s democracy right now is not outside interference but “toxic political rhetoric.” They state that frequent unverified claims, public threats, and pressure on officials weaken institutions far more than any external enemy could. They call this a direct risk to democratic order.
Accountability Concerns
The letter also stresses that making serious allegations in public but refusing to file official documents allows political leaders to avoid responsibility. The signatories call this practice unacceptable because it damages the respect that constitutional bodies rely on.
Political Impact
The open letter has sparked debate. Some see it as a necessary defense of institutions. Others view it as part of ongoing political arguments around elections and accountability. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party have not yet responded.
Closing Note of the Letter
The signatories urge the Election Commission to continue working with full transparency. They also state that political parties should accept election results and base their criticism on policy issues rather than claims that lack formal proof.
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