Gujarat polls: Congress says CEC working as Modi's "personal secretary"
The bitterly-fought Gujarat elections have witnessed a new democratic low. Now, Congress has accused CEC of working as PM Narendra Modi's "personal secretary." They also filed a complaint against Modi for violating the Model Code by holding a "roadshow" after casting his vote. Earlier, EC filed an FIR against Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi for giving interviews, violating the 48hrs ban on campaigning. Here's more!
Who is the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)?
Achal Kumar Joti, who is facing the Congress's scathing criticism, is a 1975-batch IAS officer. He has earlier served as chief secretary of Gujarat from 2010-2013, when Modi was Gujarat's CM. He joined EC in 2015 and was appointed CEC in July'17.
What are Congress's allegations?
Congress spokesperson, Randeep Surjewala said that EC has "set different standards for Congress and BJP." He asked why EC is acting like BJP's stooge. He said, "It is a great shame that Modi has turned all constitutional institutions into his puppets, EC being one of them." Congress accused EC of favoritism saying that despite Modi making politically-motivated statements at FICCI, no action was taken.
What is the deal with Modi's roadshow?
Further, Congress asked EC to take action against Modi. In Ahmedabad, while leaving the polling booth after casting his vote, Modi stood on his SUV's side-step with an outstretched arm, showing his inked finger and greeting the crowd. Congress insists that this is like a "political roadshow" that warrants action. Gujarat chief electoral officer, BB Swain assured that EC will look into the complaint.
P Chidambaram: EC is sleeping on the job!
Former FM Chidambaram also slammed EC. He tweeted "The images on TV will leave no doubt that BJP and PM have conducted a full-fledged campaign on polling day. Shocking violation of rules. EC is sleeping on the job." He appealed to the media to "search its conscience" and question the "unprecedented" model code violation. He added, "Condemn the EC for allowing this gross abuse."
Meanwhile, this isn't the first time Congress has raised concerns
Interestingly, EC has faced Congress's ire before. It had accused EC of siding with BJP when they failed to announce the dates of the Gujarat polls along with Himachal's dates. Gujarat government had reportedly asked for time to complete rehabilitation work of July floods.
