Gujarat Poll Date Delay ‘Avoidable Controversy’: Former Chief Election Commissioner
The Election Commission's decision to not announce poll dates for Gujarat along with Himachal Pradesh was an ‘avoidable controversy' and an ‘unconventional decision', Former Chief Election Commissioner TS Krishnamurthy said.
The EC today announced November 9 as the polling date and December 18 as the counting day for assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh but chose to not announce dates for the Gujarat election. Leaders of opposition parties cried foul, saying the decision to defer the announcement of dates gives unfair advantage to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the state.
Modi Govt appears to be putting pressure on EC to defer announcement of Gujarat election alongwith Himachal, to suit its political ends. 1/
October 12, 2017Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Joti cited flood relief work in Gujarat as the reason for the delay. Once poll dates are announced, the Model Code of Conduct kicks in during which political parties cannot announce schemes which could affect voters.
“Flood relief can take place without the politicians,” says TS Krishnamurthy who oversaw the 2004 Lok Sabha elections.
During my period we had given clear instructions that emergency relief work can be carried on even during Model Code of Conduct provided politicians are not associated with thatTS Krishnamurthy, Former Chief Election Commissioner“It was an avoidable controversy and unfortunately Election Commission has exposed itself to it” Krishnamurthy adds.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Gujarat on October 16.
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