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| Last where people had faith | | |
Those who saw the flip flop on timing the schedule of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections in late 2008 have been given to understand that the election commission was divided on its decision on political lines. Insinuations are sought to drawn out that the Congress led Central government wanted late elections but the Chief Election Commissioner overruled the writ. Such suggestions are eventually denigrating public faith in the highest constitutional institutions. The unseemly controversy surrounding Election Commissioner Navin Chawla is threatening to diminish the stature of the institution of the Election Commission. Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami, has, on a petition filed by the BJP, recommended the removal of Chawla on the grounds of his "partisanship." In his letter to President Pratibha Patil, he is reported to have cited several occasions when Chawla took a position favourable to the Congress party. This is not the first time that Chawla is under a cloud of controversy or in a situation where his political neutrality is being publicly questioned. When Chawla was appointed election commissioner, the BJP had petitioned the then President Abdul Kalam, the Supreme Court, and then the CEC calling for his removal on the charge that he is biased in favour of the Congress. The timing of Gopalaswami's recommendation has come in for criticism. Why has he acted a few months before general elections? Is his move politically motivated? In the process of settling personal scores, has the CEC thrown the Election Commission into a crisis? However, there are questions involving Chawla's political neutrality. He is known to have had close links with the Congress for decades. He was part of the inner circle around Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that carried out the excesses during the Emergency; Chawla was, in fact, indicted for his role by the Shah Commission. In the years since, his proximity to the Congress has grown. An NGO run by his wife is said to have received money from the MPLADS funds of several Congress MPs. If in 2006, reservations were being expressed over his suitability for the office of election commissioner, today it is his neutrality in that role that is being questioned. This is an issue of concern. Chawla could become CEC when Gopalaswami steps down in April. What is at stake is the credibility of the Election Commission and of the general elections that are held under his aegis. Constitutional offices should not be politicised. It is regrettable that parties across the political spectrum have not hesitated to appoint 'friends' to these offices. The Election Commission is widely respected. It has a lot to its credit. It has conducted free and fair elections in the most difficult circumstances, strengthening the foundations of India's democracy. We cannot allow this institution to be undermined. What is at stake is the strength of India's democracy. If the CEC's allegations are based on firm evidence, Chawla must step down.
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