Countering criticism of EC, 81 civil servants write counter-letter to the President reposing their faith in the poll body. Read here

Countering open letter written by a group of retired civil servants who h raised doubts over conduct of Election Commission of India, a group of 81 people comprising civil servants, defence officers, judges, acemicians and professionals have written to President saying that  letter by former group h undermined a constitutional authority of nation. y have also questioned at whose behest group of civil servants wrote first letter, claiming that it was devoid of facts.

Reposing ir trust in EC, y said:

"EC has been time tested and has established its credibility t only in India but also across world. This gives rise to suspicion that a deliberate attempt is being me by groups with vested interests to denigrate such institutions of democracy by undermining ir position. Slurs being laid against Election Commission of India, and casting aspersions on its neutrality and ability to hold free and fair elections, appears to be a part of longer design to influence its decision making and to make it conform to a particular line of behaviour and thought."

Doubting first letter's motive, second letter claimed that it h focused only on a few political leers and ir speeches, in a time when leers across nation, belonging to all parties are delivering grave and divisive speeches. Furr, on recent demand of VVPAT-based audits of EVMs, second letter said that it was an act to influence decision making of Supreme Court and reflected partisan nature of retired civil servants as y did t question  EVMs when opposition parties won in end-2018 assembly elections. 

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Dismissing  question on  EC against timing of anuncement of Anti-satellite test by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, letter by 81-civil servants said that first letter h paid heed to strategic importance of event and highlighted that it h secured India's entry into a select club with Russia, China and US. 

second group of civil servants also alleged that  first group was successful in motivating EC's decision-making as decision to ban Vivek Oberoi's 'PM Narendra Modi' biopic's release came after ir letter was released. It also accused m of hindering freedom of expression as y have tried to stop ten-part web series "Modi: A Common Man's Journey'', despite its first five episodes being screened before MCC came into effect.

Here is complete letter: