Congress faces stiff resistance from Political parties on curbing the powers of Election Commission

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Opposition backs Election Commission

New Delhi: After the recent confrontation with the Election Commission over the violation of model code of conduct, the Congress is mulling over curbing the powers of the EC but has faced with stiff resistance from the opposition in this regard.

Opposing the move to refer cases of model code of conduct violations to the Court instead of the EC, BJP leader Arun Jaitley opposed the move in the Rajya Sabha.

Jaitley said, “The courts could not be handed the matters of controlling the elections. Senior as well as young leaders of the Congress are violating the code of conduct and they cannot be given a free hand to make a mockery of the Election Commission. As per the Article 324 of the Constitution only the EC can investigate cases pertaining to violation of the code.”

Other parties expressed similar views. Mohan Singh of Samajwadi Party and JD (U)’s Shivanand Tiwari said, “The government cannot take decisions on its own regarding the model code of conduct. It has to take all parties into confidence.”

Doing a balancing act, Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi said, “As of now the GoM has not taken any decision. Unless a clear decision emerges in the matter, it would be immature to make any comment.”

JPN/Bureau

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