BJP Quotes Manmohan Singh to Accuse Congress of Undermining Election Commission
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has cited former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's past remarks to accuse the Congress party of a pattern of discrediting the Election Commission of India (EC). The exchange highlights a longstanding political rivalry over the neutrality of the country's poll panel.
During a press conference, BJP leaders pointed to statements made by Singh in 2013, where he described the EC as a 'soul of democracy' but also criticized its functioning in certain instances. The BJP argued that Congress leaders have historically attacked the EC when election results did not favour them.
In response, Congress leaders referred to a book by former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, which reportedly criticises Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approach to the EC. Congress claimed that the BJP is now projecting the EC as a political tool, contrary to its earlier stance.
The debate intensified after Union Minister Giriraj Singh alleged that Congress ministers during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) tenure had repeatedly targeted the poll body. He specifically mentioned the incident where former minister Salman Khurshid was censured by the EC for promising an enhanced Muslim quota during an election campaign.
Manmohan Singh, in his 2013 remarks, had said, 'The Election Commission is the soul of our democracy. We must ensure that it remains independent and impartial.' The BJP used this quote to argue that Congress itself once valued the EC's autonomy but now seeks to undermine it.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Modi has often described the EC as a 'political tool' in his speeches, a remark that Congress points to as evidence of the BJP's own disregard for the institution. The Congress also highlighted that the EC under the Modi government has faced allegations of bias from various opposition parties.
This verbal duel comes ahead of key state elections, where both parties are vying for control. Political analysts note that the credibility of the EC is central to the democratic process, and such exchanges risk eroding public trust in the institution.
The Election Commission itself has not commented on the political sparring. However, former election commissioners have stressed the need for all parties to respect the autonomy of the poll panel.
