They claimed that several senior figures of Congress and other political parties, leftist NGOs, ideologically opinionated scholars, and a few attention seekers in other walks of life, have joined Gandhi with similarly blistering rhetoric against special intensive revision and even declared that the Commission has descended into complete shamelessness by acting like the "B-team of the BJP."

"Such fiery rhetoric may be emotionally powerful - but it collapses under scrutiny, because the ECI has publicly shared its SIR methodology, overseen verification by court-sanctioned means, removed ineligible names in a compliant manner, and added new eligible voters," the statement said.

It alleged the actions of the Leader of the Opposition suggests that the accusations against the EC were an attempt to drape political frustration in the garb of institutional crisis.

The eminent personalities said that when political leaders lose touch with the aspirations of ordinary citizens, they lash out at institutions instead of rebuilding their credibility.

"Theatrics replace analysis. Public spectacle takes the place of public service," the statement said, referring to Gandhi's attempts to target the Indian Armed Forces, the judiciary, parliament and its functionaries.

The eminent citizens also urged political leaders to accept the democratic verdicts with grace and respect the constitutional process.

"Civil society reaffirms its unshakeable faith in the Indian Armed Force, the Indian Judiciary and Executive, and specifically the Election Commission, in its integrity, and in its role as guardian of democracy," they said.