Suresh Goswami counters controversy over Election Commission's process

BJP Spokesperson Defends Election Commission's Internal Process

Amidst a controversy surrounding decisions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) at the Election Commission, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Suresh Goswami on Wednesday launched a sharp counter-attack against opposition parties, including the Congress. He stated that the deliberations and correspondence among the three Election Commissioners are a natural part of the functioning of a democratic institution.

Internal Disagreements Deemed Normal Procedure

Citing a recent clarification issued by the Election Commission, Goswami pointed out that official correspondence between the Commission's members has occurred multiple times over the past 10 months. He specifically mentioned 14 instances of such correspondence, emphasizing that raising questions, making comments, and expressing differing views on various issues is a common practice within any autonomous body.

The BJP MP noted that when Election Commissioners engage in discussions and hold divergent opinions on a matter, the opposition uses this to question the institution's impartiality. Conversely, if all Commissioners appear to be in agreement, the opposition still criticizes the Commission's functioning by calling it a one-sided process. Goswami described this as a contradictory stance, asserting that the exchange of ideas is a hallmark of a robust democratic institution.

Context of the Controversy

This entire controversy emerged following reports alleging that two Election Commissioners had lodged multiple objections or comments on certain decisions and orders related to the SIR over the past 10 months. Based on these reports, opposition parties had raised questions about the impartiality and decision-making process of the Election Commission.

Election Commission's Clarification and Allegations Against Opposition

The Election Commission later issued a detailed clarification to address these concerns, stating that internal comments and differing opinions are a normal part of the decision-making process. The Commission also clarified that final decisions are always taken through a collective process, involving the consent or deliberation of all Commissioners.

In its statement, the Commission emphasized that all its orders and administrative directives are issued in strict accordance with legal procedures. According to the Commission, various decisions taken and electoral reforms implemented over the past year are the result of unanimous decisions by the full Commission.

Suresh Goswami directly accused the Congress and other opposition parties of consistently attempting to undermine the credibility of institutions that uphold the fairness and independence of the electoral process. He urged opposition parties to present the Election Commission's clarifications and its functioning to the public, rather than solely leveling accusations against the institutions.