[IAC#RG] CHIEF ELECTION COMMISSIONER ABDICATES HIS REPONSIBILITY

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India Against Corruption

                                                               CHIEF  ELECTION  COMMISSIONER  ABDICATES HIS REPONSIBILITY

In a media interview , that was published on  21^st March,2015, Chief Election Commissioner Mr. H.S.Brahma  has said that law  is not a panacea for poll ills.  Confessing that money power plays role in elections  and business and money are involved in the  election process, he  has  said  that law is not going to solve any problem and people should be told that in their own interest , they must vote for the right person.

Obviously, by the above confession, Chief Election Commissioner  expresses his inability to ensure fair poll, which  make  one wonder  as to what is the Chief Election Commissioner for ?

The problem today is not due to lack of laws but inability and unwillingness of Election Commission to enforce the law in letter and spirit. Election Commission rarely punishes the politicians who violate the model code of conduct and often ends up in issuing warnings which no politician seems to take seriously. Election Commission today is viewed as a barking dog that seldom bite.

Even when Election Commission seizes the money that may be meant for bribing during the polls, it does not follow up the matter and punish the concerned political party but simply leave the matter to the Income tax authorities. What has the Election Commission done about  the allegation that AAP received Rs. 2 crores , during the recent Delhi polls from fictitious source. Election Commission's deafening silence in the matter indicates it's attitude to it's responsibility.

Bribing of voters has become the order of the day in several states including Tamil Nadu. Several such instances have been brought to the notice of Election Commission during the elections  but  it  has often ignored them  fearing the politicians. This is so, since Election Commissioners owe their positions to the politicians.

To cut the long story short, one instance is enough  to show the weak approach of the Election Commission. A  notorious by election in Tamil took place in Tirumangalam a few years back, when money was distributed openly to the voters. The then Chief Election Commissioner himself admitted this disgusting scenario but he did not move ahead to countermand the poll. Obviously, he lacked the courage of conviction , inspite of the fact that the Election Commission is a constitutional body  with great responsibility.

 Now, in Tamil Nadu politicians use the term "Tirumangalam formula" ,as  one sure method for winning election.

The statement of Chief Election Commissioner that law is inadequate and he is helpless deserves strong criticism and condemnation. Obviously, we need Election Commissioners with greater sense of determination and commitment to the national cause of conducting free and fair elections at any cost.

N.S.Venkataraman

Nandini Voice For The Deprived

nsvenkatchennai@gmail.com

nandinivoice.com

twitter : @nsvchennai