Picture : Twitter / ANI
Accusing the Election Commission of losing its credibility and independence, the Congress has now said time has come to review the process of the poll panel’s appointment.
Congress’ chief spokesperson and Communications-in- charge Randeep Surjewala said the order prohibiting campaigning in West Bengal by 20 hours is a “dark spot” on India’s democracy and institutions like the Election Commission. Surjewala also tweeted expressing his unhappiness about the Election Commission.
Election Commission has completely abdicated its Constitutional duty under Art 324 to ensure level playing field, besides negating the due process under Art 14 & 21 of India’s Constitution.
Every citizen is questioning the independence, impartiality, objectivity and fairness EC. pic.twitter.com/DsgC8X8KgX
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) May 16, 2019
“Election Commission has completely abdicated its Constitutional duty under Art 324 to ensure level playing field, besides negating the due process under Article 14 and 21 of India”s Constitution,” he told reporters.
Election Commission’s order is a parting gift to PM Modi & BJP, in order to ensure that the two pre announced election rallies of Shri Modi today are not hit by the EC’s order
Does the EC now take orders from the BJP headquarters rather than from the mandate of the Constitution? pic.twitter.com/g7mPsl3JUt
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) May 16, 2019
”The time has come to review the process of appointment of Election Commission,” he said, calling for a national debate on the issue.
The Congress, a responsible political party, has never cast unwarranted aspersions on the actions of Constitutional bodies, Surjewala said.
“But we are deeply saddened to say that Election Commission of India has completely lost its independence and abdicated its Constitutional integrity,” the Congress leader added.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has in tweet thanked opposition parties for supporting her
Thanks and gratitude to @Mayawati, @yadavakhilesh, @INCIndia, @ncbn and others for expressing solidarity and support to us and the people of #Bengal. EC’s biased actions under the directions of the #BJP are a direct attack on democracy. People will give a befitting reply
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 16, 2019
