Election Commission faces backlash over BJP seal mix-up, calls it ‘clerical error’

The development triggered sharp reactions from opposition parties, prompting the poll panel to issue a clarification.

The Commission described the incident as a “purely clerical error” and said it resulted from an oversight while circulating a document originally submitted by a political party.

The EC letter that triggered the row

It added that the lapse was quickly identified and corrected, and an Assistant Section Officer had been suspended.

Opposition parties question credibility

The issue came to light after the Communist Party of India (Marxist) flagged the document on social media.

The party pointed out that an affidavit attached to a March 19, 2019, communication bore the BJP’s Kerala seal instead of the Commission’s official marking.

In a strongly worded response, the CPI(M) questioned the independence of the electoral body, suggesting that the same “power centre” appeared to influence both institutions.

It also mocked the apparent mix-up, saying such an incident raised serious concerns about institutional credibility.

The Indian National Congress also criticised the development, questioning how the Election Commission had access to a party seal and whether the communication originated from an official source.

EC explains ‘oversight’

Responding to the controversy, the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Kerala clarified that the BJP had recently submitted a photocopy of an earlier directive while seeking clarification on rules regarding the publication of candidates’ criminal records.

The office stated that the party’s seal was already present on the submitted copy.

Due to an oversight, officials failed to notice the seal and inadvertently circulated the same document to other political parties.

Election Commission explains the "mix-up"

The Commission said the error was detected promptly and rectified without delay.

On March 21, the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer formally withdrew the document and notified all relevant stakeholders, including political parties and election officials.

Call for restraint ahead of polls

The CEO’s office urged the public and media to avoid spreading misleading information, stressing that safeguards remain in place to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

The controversy comes at a sensitive time, with Kerala set to vote in a single phase on April 9 to elect 140 members of its Legislative Assembly.

The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, adding further political significance to the incident.