While PM heaps praise, Congress says Election Commission’s independence 'severely compromised' by Modi-Amit Shah duo

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praise on the Election Commission on National Voters’ Day, the Congress charged erosion of the institutional integrity of the election body is a matter of “grave concern”.

Modi congratulated the Election Commission and he tweeted, “National Voters' Day is about celebrating our vibrant democracy and empowering every citizen to exercise their right to vote. It highlights the importance of participation in shaping the nation’s future. We laud the ECI for their exemplary efforts in this regard.”

During his recent ‘Mann ki Baat’ episode, Modi appreciated the functioning of the election body and said the election body has strengthened and modernised the election process from time to time.

However, the opposition expressed concern over the alleged erosion of the integrity of the organisation and said the way the body has been functioning, it is making a "mockery" of the Constitution and is an insult to the voters themselves.  Congress also charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah has “compromised”  the professionalism and independence of the Election Commission.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted, “The ceaseless erosion of the institutional integrity of the Election Commission of India, in the last ten years, is a matter of grave national concern.”

He added, “Our Election Commission of India and our Parliamentary Democracy, despite widespread doubts, over the decades, turned out to be an impartial, independent and ideal to emulate globally.”  Kharge said, “Complacency in upholding democratic processes can inadvertently pave the way for authoritarianism.” 

Saying independence of the Election Commission is essential to save democracy, Kharge said, “Safeguarding the independence of our institutions is essential to preserve our Democracy and uphold the Constitutional principles that underpin it.”

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also slammed the government and said, “There will be a lot of self-congratulation today but that will not obscure the fact that the Election Commission as it has been functioning makes a mockery of the Constitution and is an insult to the voters themselves."

National Voters' Day is celebrated on January 25 to mark the inception of the Election Commission.