CHENNAI: CPM state secretary P Shanmugam on Thursday criticised the Election Commission of India’s decision to convene an all-India conference of State Election Commissioners on February 24, 2026, calling it an exercise that undermines federalism and the autonomy of constitutionally mandated institutions.
In a statement, he said the proposed conference was part of a broader pattern of actions by the Union BJP government that weaken the federal structure and erode the powers of States.
He noted that no such conference had been held for 25 years and alleged that the move was driven by the Centre’s push for the “one nation, one election” agenda, which he described as an attempt at centralisation of authority.
Shanmugam pointed out that State Election Commissions function under Articles 73 and 74 of the Constitution to conduct elections to panchayats, municipalities and municipal corporations, and are required to operate independently in accordance with State laws.
He alleged that the proposed conference would undermine this constitutional autonomy and align the functioning of State Election Commissions with the political objectives of the Union government.
Accusing the ECI of functioning under the influence of the ruling dispensation at the Centre, the CPM leader said the move appeared aimed at bringing the SEC under greater central control and sought to drop the conference plans.