“Election Commission’s Handling of PM Modi’s Speech Raises Concerns about Independence and Impartiality”

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal criticizes Election Commission for seeking response from BJP instead of PM Modi

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has expressed his disappointment with the Election Commission (EC) for seeking a response from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) instead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the opposition’s charge that he gave a divisive speech in Rajasthan. Sibal believes that this decision by the EC shows that it is a “helpless puppet” and has raised questions about its independence and impartiality.

This is the first time that the EC has taken cognizance of a model code violation complaint against a Prime Minister. On Thursday, the EC issued a notice to BJP President J.P. Nadda, seeking his response to the complaints filed by the Congress, CPI, CPI (ML), and civil society groups regarding the remarks made by Modi on April 21 in Banswara.

These complaints referred to Modi’s allegations that the Congress wanted to redistribute the wealth of the people to Muslims and that the opposition party won’t even spare the ‘mangalsutra’ of women. Sibal, in a post on social media platform X, criticized the EC for not taking any action against Modi and instead seeking a response from the BJP.

Sibal stated, “Election Commission (EC): No ‘lal ankh’ (red eyes) to Modi. Seeks BJP’s response for Modi’s openly communal utterances. Shows that EC: helpless puppet; dare not send notice to Modi; ignorant of its own Model Code of Conduct; exposes itself to ridicule.”

Sibal, who is a former Congress leader and now an independent MP in the Rajya Sabha, further alleged that the poll watchdog had “defected” to the BJP. The Congress party, on the other hand, claimed that public pressure forced the EC to issue the notice.

Congress General Secretary In-charge, Jairam Ramesh, stated that the EC is “super, super cautious” when it comes to the Prime Minister. This statement highlights the perception that the EC is more lenient towards the ruling party and less stringent in its actions against the Prime Minister.

The EC’s decision to seek a response from the BJP instead of directly addressing the Prime Minister has raised concerns about its independence and impartiality. Critics argue that this move undermines the EC’s credibility and its ability to enforce the Model Code of Conduct effectively.

In a democracy, it is crucial for the Election Commission to maintain its neutrality and act as an independent body. The EC plays a vital role in ensuring free and fair elections, and any perception of bias or favoritism can undermine public trust in the electoral process.

The opposition parties have been vocal in their criticism of the EC’s handling of the situation. They argue that the EC’s decision to seek a response from the BJP instead of the Prime Minister is a clear indication of its reluctance to take action against the ruling party.

It is essential for the Election Commission to address these concerns and take necessary steps to ensure its independence and impartiality. The EC should be proactive in enforcing the Model Code of Conduct and should not hesitate to take action against any party or individual who violates it, regardless of their political affiliation.

In conclusion, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal’s criticism of the Election Commission for seeking a response from the BJP instead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights concerns about the EC’s independence and impartiality. The EC’s decision has raised questions about its ability to enforce the Model Code of Conduct effectively and maintain public trust in the electoral process. It is crucial for the EC to address these concerns and take necessary steps to uphold its credibility as an independent body responsible for ensuring free and fair elections.