Ec must be seen to be fair
India’s democracy is getting so noisy and contentious that the EC must redefine its role more sharply.The conduct of the referee of fair play in the holding of free elections came under fire like never before towards the end of the Gujarat polls. As a neutral umpire, the Election Commission is tasked with providing a level playing field for all. It has to do so every time, and must also be seen to be fair. In the increasingly contentious nature of the race for power in all states, the commission faces an unenviable task.
It may not have distinguished itself over Rahul Gandhi’s media interviews on the eve of the last day of polling, which it questioned with a notice to the Congress president-elect, while Amit Shah did much the same the same day and the Prime Minister indulged in a walking roadshow after casting his vote.
India’s democracy is getting so noisy and contentious that the EC must redefine its role more sharply. While the EC did show its independence in its ruling against the BJP in the controversial Gujarat Rajya Sabha poll, it may have been under even greater pressure in the Assembly polls. Casting aspersions on officials is a weakness of political parties scrambling for power.
But there can’t be so much smoke without fire on a day as significant as the last day of polling. There may be little to be done in these cases as the EC is damned if it does and damned if it doesn’t rule on all episodes. But it’s important to remember that the commission’s impartiality and neutrality shouldn’t be eroded if India’s pride in holding fair elections is to be preserved.
Courtesy : Deccan Chronicle Editorial
Stay updated with The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app, your definitive source for breaking news and comprehensive coverage from India and around the globe. Whether it's political developments, business updates, sports highlights, the latest technology trends, or current events, The Hindu brings live, accurate, and reliable news directly to your device.
Don’t fall for sensationalized or fake news shared online. Read and share accurate updates with friends and family through The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app. Download it today!
News Coverage in The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 App
Breaking News: Receive instant notifications on breaking news stories as they unfold. Stay informed about major events and developments in India and around the world with live blogs, news in shorts videos, and concise articles.
Politics: Get the latest updates on Indian politics, including elections, policy changes, government decisions, and political events that shape the nation.
Business and Economy: Stay ahead in the economic landscape with detailed business news and market analysis. Learn about stock market trends, financial reports, corporate news, and economic developments to make informed investment decisions.
Current Events: Follow stories on social issues, policy changes, global events, and daily current affairs, tailored for UPSC and other competitive exam preparations.
Technology: Keep up with the latest gadgets, innovations, and tech trends. Read expert reviews and analyses in short, concise updates on cutting-edge technology from India and beyond.
Sports: Never miss a moment of your favorite sports. Get live scores, match reports, and expert analysis on cricket, football, tennis, and more.
International News: Stay informed about global events and geopolitical developments, including the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Palestine conflict, and other key international stories.
Local News: Stay connected to your community with the latest updates on city events, issues, and local news. Coverage includes hyperlocal updates from cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and more.
Trending Topics: Discover what's trending today with the most talked-about stories and hot topics across India and the world.
Experience journalism that values integrity, accuracy, and reliability. Download The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app today and stay connected with the world.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
