Abhishek slams CEC panel change, warns of threat to judicial independence
The Statesman | 25 March 2026
Trinamul Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday raised concerns over what he described as a “troubling decline” in India’s institutional framework, linking recent changes to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) selection process with broader fears about judicial independence.
In a message posted on his WhatsApp channel, Banerjee criticised the removal of the Chief Justice of India from the panel responsible for appointing the CEC.
“This is precisely why judicial authority was diluted and the Chief Justice of India was removed from the CEC selection panel. If this trajectory continues, it won’t be long before Supreme Court judgments appear politically stamped,” he said.
His remarks come amid an ongoing political debate over the composition of the CEC selection committee, which was revised through legislation passed by Parliament.
The change replaced the Chief Justice of India with a Union Cabinet minister on the panel, a move that has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who argue it weakens institutional checks and balances.
Banerjee accused those in power of undermining constitutional safeguards for political gain.
“Those sworn to protect the Constitution are now chipping away at its very foundations to serve narrow political ends ~ a betrayal of both duty and democracy,” he said, underscoring his concerns in strong terms.
The Trinamul leader’s comments reflect a broader opposition narrative that key democratic institutions are facing increasing pressure.
The government, however, has defended the changes, maintaining that the revised selection mechanism remains within constitutional provisions and ensures executive accountability.
Warning about the state of democratic institutions, Banerjee added, “What a troubling decline for our institutions.”
Meanwhile, Abhishek will hold a meeting with the party workers in Nandigram tomorrow. He will also hold public meetings at Daspur and Keshiyari & Narayangarh tomorrow.
Trinamul Congress has fielded Pabitra Kar against the sitting MLA Suvendu Adhikari. Kar was the in-charge of the election machinery of BJP in Nandigram in 2021.
He will kickstart his political campaign today with a public meeting at Patharpratima in South 24-Parganas today. The sitting Trinamul Congress MLA is Samir Jana.
Mr Banerjee will address three rallies in Natabari, Dhupguri and Kalchini on 26 March. In north Bengal Trinamul is trying to consolidate its base in 2026 Assembly election.
On 27 March, Mr Banerjee will address Binpur, Panskura and Kulpi. A day later, on 28 March, he will address three meetings at Labhpur and Bhagwangola, while on 29 March he will address two meetings at Nawda in Murshidabad and Sandeshkhali in North 24-Parganas.
On 30 March, his schedule marked public meetings at Baghmundi in Purulia and a closed-door meeting with party workers and leaders at Contai.
On 31 March he addressed public meetings at Bagdogra, Balurghat and Tapan followed by Karandighi.
Mr Banerjee had assured that he would visit all the constituencies at the meeting held at Esplanade to protest against the highhandedness of ECI.