The follwing is the address to the Election Commission’s address to Media;
New Delhi: We are in the midst of the most mammoth exercise in the history of mankind. We have tried out best to ensure all our efforts are focused on managing this event. During this period, we have not focused on individual attacks.
The Election Commission has satisfaction that, by and large, its engagement with all parties has generally been cordial and constructive. We have come across certain statements and communication by leaders and spokespersons of certain parties which unfortunately directly or indirectly questioned the Commission’s jurisdiction, sincerity, impartiality, neutrality etc.
Very recently, there were some utterances by senior leaders last night and this morning in which we had expressed our disappointment. A reference to “boldness” was made by a leader, we don’t want to take names… but we want to point out that Election Commission is a pillar of democracy and it has been given enough powers by the Constitution to discharge its duties boldly and fairly.
The commission is not afraid of anyone, any political party or entity in discharging its duties, it has always done so in a forthright manner. We expect a greater level of maturity from leaders while talking about constitutional bodies like the Election Commission.
Out of three things which were covered… two were relatively simple… Ganga Pujan and meeting at a hotel…. permissions were granted within hours. Holding rally at Beniyabagh was the bone of contention… The competent local authority, the DM and his team, taking relevant professional advice on security grounds couldn’t give permission… This has unfortunately become the bone of contention.
Where security issues are involved, Commission would go by professional advice and the local administration cannot be ignored… it would not like to deviate from that. Law and order is a critical issue and Commission will not like to substitute its judgement with that of local authorities at the field level
Commission has set up practice of giving clearances under single-window method – more than 3000 rallies have been held Want to tell parties that permission for rallies should be sought with due notice… Where there are complexities, it may not be possible to adhere to 24 hour or 48 hour time limit.
The commission would also like to bring to your notice that it has delivered free and fair elections in the last 63 years. The credibility, quality and neutrality of the Election Commission is now a national heritage and a matter of admiration for the whole world.
We dismiss allegations of sweeping statements about Commission’s lack of neutrality. We deplore attempts on cast aspersions on the Commission, it could cause long-term damage to the independence and neutrality of the Commission.
Have asked for a report on Rahul Gandhi being in the booth… Commission will be fair in dealing with all complaints. (In Varanasi) the Returning Officer has gone with professional advice. Merely because someone is complaining, we can’t take action… We are expressing anguish at the complaint degenerating into unfair criticism.
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