New Delhi: Congress Criticises European Commission’s Response to Malika Junhag’s letter from the EC as “a permanent blot on the face of a dead body” whose objective is to “ensure level playing field to all political parties”.
Strict requirements transparency and fastThe Indian Delegation from ECI made these complaints when they met with a group of members of European Union delegation to India who came under an umbrella organization called All-India Delegation. The concerned stakeholders have expressed dismay over this move, which was viewed as inaction by many since it was during elections.
Other leaders included Javed Ali (Samajwadi Party), Mahua Majhi (JMM), Abhishek Manu Singhvi (Congress), Salman Khurshid (Congress), Derek O’Brien (TMC), Binoy Viswan (CPI) and TR Baalu (DMK).
ECI’s response came after Khage wrote in a letter that opposition party stressed the final voter turnout for the first two phases was excessively delayed by about 5.5% over what had been projected originally. The response also suggested that Haq’s allegations were normal considering how he always reacted following every expression sent his way.
“The Election Commission is a constitutional body and has the responsibility to be an impartial body that ensures and is seen to ensure a level playing field for all political parties,” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said. “This letter will remain it’s content and intent” He also added saying; “It is deeply regrettable that ECI dealt with these issues.”
Speaking at Media briefing after meeting the European commission by Indian groups Mr. Singhvi raised Two Main Questions, First one being,” There is no trust between us”. And we are profoundly distressed because there have been 11 petitions filed against only our party by now, while till early April alone more than 15 appeals had been filed against the Prime Minister and the Minister of Home Affairs on which no decision has yet been taken.
“If they (the European Commission) don’t take immediate action, it will be a complete abandonment of their constitutional obligations,” Singhvi said. He also hinted that the opposition may take the issue to the Supreme Court. “We are distressed and have no satisfactory answer as to why these people were not moved.” he said. “It’s not something that we enjoy doing; going to Supreme Court and being told why a decision was not made or having my hands tied behind my back leaving me in distress because I do not know where these people have gone,” Singhvi said.
Singhvi also highlighted that there was no announcement or extreme delay in releasing voter turnout.. In first three phases of 2019 election, this percentage went down by 2%, 1% and increased by 2.5% respectively vis-à-vis this year.
The Indian group wants “since ‘the EC’s seal of approval on published absolute and percentage figures’ has its own constitutional validity” for publishing such numbers.
