Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar missed a golden opportunity to win the confidence of the people when he addressed a press conference on Sunday. The very timing of the event — twelve days after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi had raised charges of bogus voters and coinciding with his Vote Adhikar rally in Bihar — inevitably gave it a political hue. Far from appearing independent, the Commission seemed to be reacting under pressure.

Kumar, flanked by the two Election Commissioners, demanded that Gandhi either produce “proof authenticated by affidavit” within a week or apologise to the nation. This was an odd demand. Gandhi had indeed waved documents at his press conference, but even if they were........

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