NEW DELHI: More than 400 Indian-origin students, researchers and alumni from universities in 27 countries have issued a joint statement condemning the ongoing protests against the Election Commission of India (ECI), describing them as a “plan to sow seeds of doubt in India’s democracy”.Titled “Spare India from Anarchy”, the statement criticises the protests against the poll body."An unconscionable and devious plan of sowing seeds of doubt in Indian democracy has been hatched by weaponising sub judice matters, which is then amplified on the streets by leaning on anarchist forces, which have historically and philosophically never believed in constitutional form of governance. All in the name of saving democracy," the statement said."We remain amazed at the irony of all. But more importantly, as informed people who have stakes in the future of this country and travel the world identifying as 'Indians,' we are deeply anguished at this state of affairs," it added.The signatories highlighted the resilience of Indian democracy and the role of constitutional institutions, stating: "In the seven decades since independence, Indian democracy has proved its resilience repeatedly.
Institutions have flourished, checks and balances have functioned admirably, and peaceful transition of power has remained an enduring hallmark."They lamented that "a frenzy of election denial, relentless questioning of constitutional institutions, and a preference for 'street over Sansad'" had gripped certain quarters."Unfavourable election outcomes have led to questions of procedural integrity. Adverse judgements have provoked unfortunate commentary on judicial independence.
Even the most apolitical institution in the country -- the armed forces -- has been gratuitously and unjustly entangled in partisan discourse," the statement read.While acknowledging that dissent was essential to democracy, the signatories said they refused to remain "silent spectators to the subversion of democratic apparatus in its guise".They urged social and political forces to resolve differences through "debate, discussion, dialogue and dissent" within constitutional institutions.The signatories are based in or have studied at universities across 27 countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Japan and Singapore.Their academic affiliations include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Harvard University, Stanford University and the London School of Economics, among others. The statement clarified that these affiliations did not imply endorsement by the respective universities.
Why is India witnessing anti-EC protests
The protests come amid opposition parties’ allegations of irregularities in elections and questions over the integrity of electoral processes.Last month, The Indian Express reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections at least 14 times over 10 months to decisions they claimed were taken without their knowledge, including those related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The report triggered protests by opposition parties and citizens’ groups in several parts of the country, particularly in Delhi, with demonstrators demanding the resignation or removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.Kumar, who was appointed an election commissioner in 2024 and became CEC in 2025, has repeatedly faced opposition allegations of electoral irregularities and bias in favour of the ruling BJP.(With PTI inputs)