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There has once again been a huge political upheaval in the Indian political and administrative circles regarding the functioning of the Election Commission of India. This time the matter is not about the statement of any political party, but about an official press note issued by the Election Commission itself, after which serious questions have been raised on the transparency and working style of the organization. The country’s former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) SY Qureshi has strongly criticized the Commission’s move and publicly cornered it. Along with this, senior Congress leader Pawan Kheda has also taken a dig at this entire incident by saying ‘old is gold’, due to which this issue has become the biggest center of discussion at the national level. This way, the supreme body charged with the responsibility of conducting free and fair elections, getting trapped in the web of its own communiqué has become a big and serious matter for consideration for the administrative system of the country.
Know what is the whole controversy and why that press note was issued
Recently a press note was issued by the Election Commission regarding electoral procedures, statements or rules, which was seen as an attempt to increase the transparency of the Commission. But as soon as this press note became public, legal experts, administrative experts and former election officials started highlighting various technical and ideological shortcomings in it. Experts say that the language and facts with which this release was issued by the Commission were not in accordance with the dignity of the institution and its traditional impartial standards. It is expected from a constitutional institution like the Election Commission that its every word and order is completely mature, irrefutable and beyond doubt, but this time the case appeared to be just the opposite. As soon as the press note arrived, discussions started on social media and in political circles as to what might have been the compulsion behind issuing such a document without thinking or without legal depth.
Former CEC SY Qureshi raised sharp questions, gave advice to the commission
The country’s former Chief Election Commissioner SY Qureshi, who is known for his outspoken and strict administrative style, has openly slammed the Election Commission in this matter. He expressed strong objection to this step of the Commission through social media and other forums, saying that people holding constitutional positions are not expected to resort to such childish or vague statements or press releases. SY Qureshi said in clear words that the strength of the Election Commission lies in its neutrality and the accuracy of its decisions, and not in such paper statements which themselves come under controversy. Comparing the old methodology and the present methodology, he said that in earlier times, there was a strong legal and ideological basis behind every decision of the Commission, due to which the credibility of the institution always remained supreme. This blunt comment of the former CEC has put a huge moral pressure on the current leadership of the Election Commission.
Congress leader Pawan Kheda’s taunt: Targeted by saying ‘old is gold’
The matter has become more heated due to the entry of political parties in this entire controversy. Congress party’s chief spokesperson and media department head Pawan Khera took a dig at this press note of the Election Commission and gave the slogan ‘Old is Gold’ in his official style. Pawan Kheda sarcastically said that today’s electoral system is increasingly looking weak in comparison to its old and glorious era, where institutions are forgetting their constitutional responsibilities and getting embroiled in controversies. He said that the work of an institution like the Election Commission is to remain impartial, but when it itself comes under the scanner by issuing press notes, then it is natural to doubt the fairness of the country’s democracy and electoral system. The opposition parties have got a big weapon to corner both the government and the Election Commission on this issue, and they are constantly demanding that the Commission should improve its functioning so that public trust is maintained.
Credibility of constitutional institutions and major challenges of the future
The Election Commission of India is known around the world for its large and peaceful conduct of elections, a reputation built over decades of strict discipline and impartiality. But whenever such serious questions are raised by former officials and political parties on any step or press note of the Commission, it becomes a matter of concern for the health of democracy. Administrative experts believe that the Election Commission should learn from such criticisms and make its communication style and decision-making process more transparent. It is very important to send this message to the public and political parties that the Election Commission is completely free from any kind of political pressure or administrative lapses. In the coming days, it will be very interesting to see whether the Commission gives any clarification on this entire controversy or this matter is allowed to rest, but it is certain that this debate of ‘old is gold’ will continue to resonate in the political and administrative circles for a long time.