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PM rejects demand for impeachment of Election Commissioners |
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The Prime Minister has taken a strong exception to the controversy whipped up by a letter about the conduct of the three-member Election Commission. Speaking to reporters on his way back home from Russia, Manmohan Singh said that constitutional institutions like the Election Commission had earned the respect and admiration of the world for their contribution and nothing should be done to weaken that fabric.
The Prime Minister said that the autonomous Election Commission which is a creation of the Constitution has had an impeccable track record of conducting elections and is widely respected for its work. “The Commission has played a critical and positive role in the successful functioning of our democracy.”
Impartial observers feel that the Prime Minister has sent a subtle message to Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav caught in the eye of a storm once again.
Earlier during the week, Union Law Minister H.R. Bhardwaj made it clear that the authority of constitutional bodies like the Election Commission could not be challenged. He denied receiving any letter from IAS officer L.V. Saptrishi questioning the Election Commission’s role in countermanding the polls from Bihar’s Chapra Lok Sabha constituency.
In a related development, Chief Election Commissioner T.S. Krishnamurthy and the two Election Commissioners B.B. Tandon and N. Gopalaswamy called on President Kalam to inform him of the factual position in the controversy. A detailed report was handed over to the President outlining the sequence of events leading upto the countermanding of the polling in Chapra. The President is later believed to have sought a detailed report from the Manmohan Singh Government about the controversy surrounding the Election Commission.
Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav also had a meeting with the Prime Minister on May 11. Speaking after the meeting, Yadav said he still holds the view that the two Election Commissioners, B.B. Tandon and N. Gopalaswamy should step down.
Navin Chawla appointed Election Commissioner
Navin Chawla, an officer of the IAS cadre and Information and Broadcasting Secretary, has been appointed Election Commissioner to fill the vacancy in the Commission caused by the elevation of B.B. Tandon as Chief Election Commissioner. Both Tandon and Chawla will assume office on Monday, May 16.
Under Article 324(2) of the Constitution of India, members of the Election Commission are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. An Election Commissioner enjoys a term of six years or until he/she reaches the age of 65, whichever is earlier. The Commission’s members are entitled to the salary, status and perks of a Supreme Court judge.
Chawla has had a checkered career. He has written”an authorised biography” of Mother Teresa which has attracted international attention.
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