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Avoid levelling ‘baseless’ charges against EC officials: CEC to Badal
The Election Commission on Tuesday curtly replied to Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal asking him to refrain from leveling “baseless” charges against the conduct of EC officials. Badal had written to the Commission about its officials going beyond their constitutional mandate.
Addressing the letter to Badal, Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi said, “We have seen with deep dismay media reports quoting a statement emanating from you that questions actions of the Commission’s officials during the election period.” Stating that the Commission was aware of its constitutional mandate, Quraishi asked the Chief Minister to spell out instances to establish its charge or else refrain from making general accusations.
Terming the allegations of interference by poll officials as “without basis” CEC conveyed his displeasure over the CM preferring to speak to the media instead of communicating to him directly. “Let me assure you that the Commission operates within diligent awareness of its constitutional mandate and recognises with the greatest respect the operational boundaries between various Constitutional bodies,” Quraishi said.
Not impressed with such charges being leveled by a senior politician like Badal, CEC added, “This could dent their (officials) morale and bring them under undue pressure with respect to ensuring free and fair polls.”
The Election Commission on Tuesday curtly replied to Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal asking him to refrain from leveling “baseless” charges against the conduct of EC officials. Badal had written to the Commission about its officials going beyond their constitutional mandate.
Addressing the letter to Badal, Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi said, “We have seen with deep dismay media reports quoting a statement emanating from you that questions actions of the Commission’s officials during the election period.” Stating that the Commission was aware of its constitutional mandate, Quraishi asked the Chief Minister to spell out instances to establish its charge or else refrain from making general accusations.
Terming the allegations of interference by poll officials as “without basis” CEC conveyed his displeasure over the CM preferring to speak to the media instead of communicating to him directly. “Let me assure you that the Commission operates within diligent awareness of its constitutional mandate and recognises with the greatest respect the operational boundaries between various Constitutional bodies,” Quraishi said.
Not impressed with such charges being leveled by a senior politician like Badal, CEC added, “This could dent their (officials) morale and bring them under undue pressure with respect to ensuring free and fair polls.”
