‘Different views are normal’: EC reacts to 14 objections report, says key decisions were unanimous | Today’s news
The Election Commission of India defended its decision-making process on Wednesday, saying that differences of opinion and perceptions within the institution are a normal part of deliberations before a final decision is made.
The panel’s reaction came amid a political tussle after an Indian Express report highlighted objections raised by two election commissioners over several decisions during the rollout of the special intensive review (SIR) of electoral rolls.
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“Different opinions and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution. They are part of the decision-making process before a final decision is taken. Not only the three commissioners, but every Commission official is fully entitled to give the Commission their suggestions for improving the electoral system,” the survey panel said.
In its eight-point official statement, the EC said that focusing on specific internal notes and observations over a 10-month period and leaving out a “much larger body” of approvals, decisions and initiatives represented only “one part of the picture”.
What does the IE message say?
An Indian Express report claimed that two commissioners objected to the Election Commission’s moves 14 times in 10 months amid the rollout of SIR. She emphasized that not only the three electoral commissioners, but every official of the Commission is authorized to offer proposals aimed at improving the electoral system.
In its eight-point official statement, the EC said that focusing on specific internal notes and observations over a 10-month period and leaving out a “much larger body” of approvals, decisions and initiatives represented only “one part of the picture”.
The report sparked a political row with the Congress party saying Gyanesh Kumar has no right to remain in office and must resign. Many leaders also demanded Kumar’s removal and impeachment.
Vote chori is a crime against Indian people: RaGa
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP, the RSS and the Election Commission, which had organized the ‘election hori’, had committed high treason.
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“Vote chori is a crime against the Indian people and a direct attack on our constitution,” Gandhi said.
“BJP, RSS and EC who organized it have committed an act of treason. Justice will be served,” the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said on X.
The poll panel also pointed to the breadth of its work in recent months, saying it had taken a number of decisions, issued guidelines, introduced around 40 new initiatives and implemented electoral reforms, including a review of the electoral roll and SIR across the country.
“Result of Unanimous Decisions”
The EC also said that all these decisions were the result of unanimous decisions by the entire Commission over the past year.
Differing opinions and insights are a normal part of thinking in any institution.
The commission reiterated that it remained committed to fulfilling its constitutional obligations with “absolute integrity”, emphasizing its role in promoting Indian democracy.
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“The Election Commission of India remains fully committed to carrying out its constitutional duties with complete integrity and recognizes its vital role in upholding our democracy,” it said.
The objections by both ECs, according to a report in The Indian Express, were on issues including adding new voters, deletion and renewal of names, changes to Form 6 and the functioning of the technology used to manage electoral rolls.
TMC Rajya Sabha Chairman Derek O’Brien said in X, “Five months ago, 60 Rajya Sabha MPs (50 are needed) wrote to RS chairman moving Motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Electoral Commissioners protested many CEC events, it’s time to introduce RS Motion today. Blame the CEC for saving democracy”.
