From electoral integrity battles and high-stakes political reunions to sudden constitutional exits and corruption allegations, 2025 witnessed controversies that reshaped India’s political discourse, tested democratic institutions, and triggered intense debate across Parliament, states, and public platforms. (PICS/ X, ASHISH RAJE, PTI, FILE PICS)
Updated On: 2025-12-26 05:03 PM IST
Compiled by : Anushree Gaikwad
What happened: From August 2025 onwards, a major political controversy erupted over alleged irregularities in India’s electoral process, popularly termed as “vote chori”. Opposition parties accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of facilitating large-scale manipulation through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The allegations linked voter deletions to the outcomes of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and upcoming state assembly polls, with the BJP also being named in the charges. PIC/ X
Consequences: The controversy triggered nationwide protests, legal challenges, and intense political debate. In states such as Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, lakhs of voters reportedly found their names missing from electoral rolls, raising fears of mass disenfranchisement. PIC/ X
Impact: Public trust in the electoral process came under strain, with civil society groups calling the exercise a “de facto NRC”. The issue dominated Parliament, election rallies and social media, becoming a flashpoint ahead of crucial elections.
Solution/Govt response: The ECI defended SIR as a routine constitutional exercise aimed at removing duplicate and deceased voters, insisting that due process and appeals mechanisms were followed. However, demands for greater transparency and independent audits remain unresolved. PIC/X
What happened: On Wednesday, estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena–UBT) and Raj Thackeray (MNS) formally reunited, ending a 20-year political rift that began in 2005. The alliance was announced ahead of the Mumbai civic polls, marking a significant shift in Maharashtra politics. PIC/ ASHISH RAJE
Consequences: The reunion drew sharp reactions from the ruling alliance, with BJP leaders openly mocking the tie-up. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed the alliance as politically irrelevant, saying its importance was exaggerated. PIC/ ASHISH RAJE
Impact: The remarks triggered a war of words, polarising political discourse in Maharashtra. The alliance also reshaped opposition strategies for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, forcing parties to recalibrate their campaigns.
Solution/Govt response: The BJP maintained that the alliance would not affect electoral outcomes, while Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS projected unity as a response to what they termed political marginalisation. PIC/ ASHISH RAJE
What happened: The 2025 SIR exercise became one of the most contentious political issues of the year. While the ECI described it as voter-list “purification”, opposition parties alleged mass deletion of legitimate voters, branding it “vote chori”. PIC/ PTI
Consequences: In Bihar alone, nearly 65 lakh names were removed from draft rolls, with a net reduction of 44–47 lakh voters. Similar large-scale deletions were reported in Tamil Nadu and other states.
Impact: The exercise intensified fears of systematic voter suppression, particularly among marginalised communities. It also raised constitutional questions about electoral fairness and democratic participation. PIC/ X
Solution/Govt response: The ECI reiterated that revisions were conducted under constitutional provisions and allowed claims and objections. However, opposition parties continue to demand a rollback and judicial oversight. PIC/ PTI
What happened: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, 2025—two years before the end of his term—citing health concerns. The resignation came on the first day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session and was accepted immediately by President Droupadi Murmu. FILE PIC
Consequences: The abrupt timing fuelled speculation of political reasons behind the move, with insiders pointing to Dhankhar’s strained relationship with the government and his frequent confrontations with the opposition and judiciary
Impact: The resignation created a constitutional and political vacuum, sparking debates over institutional independence and the role of the Vice President as Rajya Sabha Chairperson.
Solution/Govt response: The government maintained that the resignation was purely health-related and followed constitutional procedure. No official clarification was issued on political speculation. FILE PIC
What happened: A land deal in Pune’s Mundhwa area involving Amadea Enterprises LLP, co-owned by Parth Pawar, son of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, came under scrutiny. The firm allegedly purchased 40–43 acres of government land worth up to Rs 1,800 crore for about Rs 300 crore, with claims of stamp duty evasion and procedural violations.
Consequences: Arrests, suspensions of revenue officials, and multiple probes followed. While an initial committee did not name Parth Pawar directly, public outrage led to the formation of a new high-level panel. PIC/ X
Impact: The case intensified allegations of political favouritism and corruption, placing the ruling alliance under pressure and giving the opposition a major talking point. FILE PIC
Solution/Govt response: Ajit Pawar announced that the sale deed had been scrapped and the land reverted to its original status. The state demanded Rs 42 crore in stamp duty and penalties, while investigations continue. FILE PIC
