Congress Slams Modi Government Over Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa Recusing Himself From Meetings

The Congress hit out at the Narendra Modi government over Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa recusing himself from the panel’s meetings to discuss poll code violations, saying erosion of institutional integrity is the hallmark of the present dispensation.

Congress’ Chief Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala cited a Hindustan Times report which claimed Lavasa, who disagreed with the poll panel’s decisions to clear Prime Minister Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah of charges of violating the Model Code of Conduct, has since May 4 recused himself from all meetings to discuss MCC issues.

According to the report, Lavasa insisted that he will attend meetings only after dissent notes and minority decisions are included in the orders of the commission.

“The Election Commission or Election Omission! Another Dark Day for Democracy!” Surjewala tweeted, tagging the media report.

Erosion of institutional integrity is the hallmark of the Modi government, Surjewala alleged.