EC not being neutral and gave itself a clean chit; Congress slams Election Commission on Haryana poll complaints

NEW DELHI: Congress hit out at the Election Commission for rejecting and criticising complaints of irregularities in the Haryana Assembly elections. Nine senior leaders, including KC Venugopal, Ashok Gehlot and Ajay Maken, have written to the commission stating that the commission is not neutral and that Congress will take legal recourse against the allegations.

The Congress pointed out that the rejection of the Haryana election complaint and the commission's criticism of attacks on the party and its leaders were unbecoming of the EC's status. Commission responded without neutrality. When Congress raised the complaint with respect for the commission, the reply was not in the same manner. We don't know who is advising the Election Commission. Judges who write decisions do not attack or demonise the party raising the issues. Legal action will be required if the commission stands firm on the remarks.

Commission forgetting its duty

Rejecting the Congress' complaint, the commission gave itself a clean chit. The answer given to the irregularities in the voting machine is not clear. It was the language, tone and allegations of the remarks against the Congress in the letter that forced the Congress to write a response letter. The Commission forgets that it is a constitutional body with quasi-judicial powers. The commission undervaluing the congress's complaint is forgetfulness of its duty. If this is the case, the court proceedings that reminded the commission of its responsibilities will be repeated. The letter also said that no action is being taken on complaints against the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. Rejecting allegations of irregularities in electronic voting machines (EVMs) in connection with the Haryana Assembly elections, the Election Commission has asked people to refrain from making baseless and sensitive complaints on polling and counting days. The commission also said that it is not right to question when the election results are adverse.