The Hindu : Congress concern over 'outsider as CEC'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004

National

National

Congress concern over 'outsider as CEC'

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JAN. 13. The Congress today expressed concern over the Vajpayee Government's reported move to appoint the next Chief Election Commissioner from outside instead of following the practice of doing so from within the Election Commission.

Describing it as a "direct assault on the independence of this constitutional organisation," the party spokesperson, Abhishek Singhvi, said the proposed move was objectionable since the Government was planning to appoint the CEC after the announcement on early Lok Sabha elections.

Ever since the Election Commission was made a multi-member body, the seniormost Election Commissioner had been appointed as the CEC, the party said. "That principle is vital and consistent with the independence of the body," Mr. Singhvi said. To appoint an outsider directly as the CEC after the announcement of general elections was a "direct assault" on the independence of Commission, he added.

Responding to queries, Mr. Singhvi said the party was not talking of individuals but of a principle since it could be a "major compromise" on the Commission's independence.

Carrying further its charge that the National Democratic Alliance Government had committed "constitutional impropriety" by not having prorogued Parliament, the party said the move also showed "utter discourtesy" to the President. Never in the last five decades would a calendar year start without the President addressing a new session of Parliament. The Government, he said, had not only shown utter discourtesy to the Constitution but also to the head of state, all for "petty political issues."

On the report that the Central Bureau of Investigation had decided not to file a revision petition against the discharge of L.K. Advani in the Babri Masjid demolition case, Mr. Singhvi said it was a "blatantly partisan view." Obviously, this was a "collusive device to erase this case from public memory and the legal system in the country. The CBI knows it well that a prosecuting agency is the principal protagonist in any criminal proceedings. Having a strong stake, for the principal protagonist not even to challenge the acquittal of the principal accused, who sits virtually controlling the principal prosecutor, is a serious assault on institutional framework."

The spokesperson also joined issue with the Defence Minister, George Fernandes, for attacking the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi. The phrase applied by him against her was "most applicable" to the Minister, Mr. Singhvi said.

Also, the "preaching" by the Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, about the need to maintain decorum in political speeches, notwithstanding, the BJP leaders and Union Ministers were indulging in "cheap street language."

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National