Undeterred by the BJP’s all-out attack, the Election Commission (EC) on Thursday rejected its accusations of bias in denying permission for a rally by Narendra Modi in Varanasi and made it clear that it was “not afraid of anyone, any political party or any entity” in doing its job.
While the EC justified the denial of permission by the Varanasi local administration to Modi’s rally at Beniabagh, an equally determined BJP organised a “protest road show” in the city.
Earlier in the day, senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley said, “…On May 7, permission to hold the rally at Beniya Bagh was, in fact, granted to the BJP and subsequently revoked as an afterthought. The reasons stated for rejection of permission, that in 1991 tension took place after a Beniya Bagh rally, are not relevant,” Jaitley said in a statement issued immediately after the EC briefing.
The EC, on its part, held its ground, with Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath maintaining that the Commission followed the report of the District Administration with regard to not giving permission for the public meeting, as it was felt that the safety and security of the people and the leaders were at stake.
“Just because the party had deposited money seeking permission for the rally does not mean permission has been given,” the CEC said.
However, Jaitley said this was not a satisfactory or professional response. “For the Election Commission to abdicate its jurisdiction under Article 324 of the Constitution in favour of the judgment of the appointees of the State Government would be a failure to exercise jurisdiction. It is dangerous to rely exclusively on the ‘professional’ advice of those who may render unprofessional advice,” he said.
Ruling out any action against the official for cancelling the public meeting, the CEC said there were some other issues which were being looked into against the officials.
‘Threshold crossed’Pointing out that the Commission does not meet the media during the election process, Sampath said it was forced to react as the “threshold” had been crossed. Dismissing all allegations on the Commission’s lack of neutrality, Sampath said that the credibility, neutrality and quality of Indian elections are a national heritage. “EC remains zealous, extremely vigilant and concerned about its neutrality in conducting free and fair elections,” he said.
Long-term damage“We also deplore any attempt by anyone to cast aspersions on a constitutional institution like the EC at a very sensitive time like the present one, which could cause long-term damage to the independence and neutrality of the Commission,” the CEC said.
On the issue of the Commission not acting boldly, Sampath said that the Constitution had given the Commission enough “authority and power to perform our duties boldly, fairly and squarely. The Commission has never flinched in performing its duties with boldness and forthrightness”.
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