Prashant Kishor Questions Election Commission’s Credibility, Seeks Debate on Former CEC’s HDFC Role

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has questioned the credibility and functioning of the Election Commission of India, arguing that the institution’s reputation has been shaped more by its own actions in recent years than by any single media report.

Speaking on the issue, Kishor referred to a report published by The Indian Express and said the Election Commission’s credibility had not been affected merely because of the report. He pointed instead to what he described as the Commission’s functioning under current Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and former CEC Rajiv Kumar.

“Look, the credibility and reputation of the Election Commission have not been affected by a report in The Indian Express,” Kishor said, adding that the actions of the institution over the past few years had been a more significant factor in shaping public perceptions.

Kishor also raised questions about the career transition of former Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, calling for a broader national discussion on his appointment as chairman of HDFC Bank.

He said there should be a discussion across the country about how a former CEC came to occupy a senior position at one of the country's largest private banks.

Kishor’s remarks come amid continuing public and political debate over the functioning, independence and credibility of electoral institutions in India. His comments also bring renewed attention to the post-retirement roles of senior constitutional and public officials and the questions such transitions can raise about institutional independence and public trust.

The remarks were made as discussions continue around the Election Commission and the broader issue of electoral transparency in India.