The hidden message of bypolls
With the recently concluded by-elections, the whole nation was focused on Kairana in Uttar Pradesh; and in the state, people keenly awaited the Rajarajeshwari Nagar results. If a bypoll result can be considered a verdict for any party to rid itself of any allegations of electoral misconduct, then Munirathna has just been declared a clean man. Congress has earned itself a good reputation and a massive sigh of relief with the victory of their candidate. This constituency was somewhat a primary litmus test for the coalition government in the state. Hence it was necessary for either Congress or a JD(S) candidate to clinch this constituency since the coalition partners went into this bypoll with their own candidates, and not a mutually agreeable single candidate who could have been staged here. On one hand there were allegations against Munirathna and on the other there was polarization of votes that could have worked against him. But Munirathna won with a thumping margin, a much needed relief to him and his party too.
At the same time, BJP has suffered major drubbing in Kairana, Uttar Pradesh a seat that was most prestigious for the party since they had won with a massive margin last time. Political analysts had said the Kairana results could be an indicator of mood for the 2019 general elections. Kairana was the last opportunity for UP CM Yogi Adityanath to rectify the loss of face he suffered with losses in Gorakhpur and Phulpur. The MLA seat turned vacant with the death of BJP MP Hukum Singh. BJP was successful in fanning communal fires in this constituency last time. Party members had spread rumours stating Hindus were migrating from Kairana owing to a large section muslim population and the troubles they have been creating for the Hindus. The fear created by this was so massive that communal clashes broke out and this had helped consolidate Jat votes for the party in the general elections. Even if one put SP, BSP and Congress votes, it was impossible to measure up to the votes BJP was polled.
But this time around, a Muslim lady Tabassum has won the by elections in Kairana. This is a tight slap served to the misadministration of CM Yogi Adityanath’s administration. This response from the consolidation of secular forces is a strong one considering BJP had refused to stage even a single muslim candidate. And at the same time, this is also a message to SP, BSP and Congress to come together put up a united front. The attempts of saffronisation by Yogi has been rejected flatly. The coming together of secular forces will surely defeat Modi and his agenda in the coming days. This message has been conveyed loud and clear from Kairana. Similarly, the NCPU and Congress supported candidate has won from Bhandara Gondiya seat which was again under BJP last time.
In the past, during the ‘undefeatable’ Indira Gandhi’s time all opposition parties had come together to serve her a defeat. She ate a humble pie. People had come to accept this coalition because they were reeling under the ill effects of emergency. Indira Gandhi enjoyed the support of the poorest of the poor who adored her. Narendra Modi does not command the kind of support as she did. He stands on the fake foundation of lies. It won’t take too long for this bubble to burst since he has failed to deliver an administration that would help people’s lives get better. Today we have undeclared emergency in the country. People are suffering owing to hike in petrol prices. If the secular forces can come together, Modi’s dream run can end soon enough. This is the message by polls have conveyed to the people.
Now, the anti-BJP parties should not stop their battle against EVMs. BSP had spoken pretty strongly against EVMs in the past. Today, only Shiv Sena is speaking about this. This discourse has to continue till things change for 2019 elections to ensure the 2014 results do not repeat. A movement against EVMs is needed for free and fair elections to be held in 2019. Only then we can expect some miracles to happen
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Modi govt's 'calibrated erosion' of EC's integrity: Kharge on election rule
New Delhi (PTI): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday hit out at the government for tweaking an election rule to prevent public inspection of certain electronic documents, alleging it is part of the Modi government's "systematic conspiracy" to destroy the institutional integrity of the Election Commission.
Kharge also said the Modi government's "calibrated erosion" of the ECI's integrity is a frontal attack on the Constitution and democracy.
The government has tweaked an election rule to prevent public inspection of certain electronic documents such as CCTV camera and webcasting footage as well as video recordings of candidates to prevent their misuse.
Based on the recommendation of the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Union law ministry on Friday amended Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to restrict the type of "papers" or documents open to public inspection.
Reacting to the development, Kharge said, "Modi government's audacious amendment in the Conduct of Election Rules is another assault in its systematic conspiracy to destroy the institutional integrity of the Election Commission of India." "Earlier, they had removed the Chief Justice of India from the Selection panel which appoints Election Commissioners, and now they have resorted to stonewall electoral information, even after a High Court order," he said in a post on X.
Everytime the Congress party wrote to the ECI, regarding specific poll irregularities such as voter deletions and lack of transparency in EVMs, the ECI has responded in a condescending tone and chosen not to even acknowledge certain serious complaints, Kharge said.
"This again proves that the ECI, even though it is a quasi-judicial body, is not behaving independently," he said.
"The Modi government's calibrated erosion of ECI's integrity is a frontal attack on the Constitution and Democracy and we will take every step to safeguard them," Kharge said.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh had said the party would legally challenge the amendment.
Lok Sabha MP and Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal said the poll panel had chosen opacity and a pro-government attitude in its dealings thus far.
According to Rule 93, all "papers" related to elections shall be open to public inspection.
The amendment inserts "as specified in these rules" after "papers".
Law ministry and ECI officials separately explained that a court case was the "trigger" behind the amendment.
While documents such as nomination forms, appointment of election agents, results and election account statements are mentioned in the Conduct of Election Rules, electronic documents such as CCTV camera footage, webcasting footage and video recording of candidates during the Model Code of Conduct period are not covered.
"CCTV coverage, webcasting of polling stations are not carried out under Conduct of Election Rules but are the result of steps taken by the ECI to ensure a level playing field," a former ECI official explained.
