NEW DELHI: Expressing shock at the resignation of election commissioner Arun Goel just ahead of the announcement of Lok Sabha elections, Congress alleged govt pressure and lack of transparency prevailing in the poll watchdog, and demanded that the Centre explain the issue.
It said then election commissioner, Ashok Lavasa faced “relentless harassment” from the Modi govt after he dissented against the clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for violation of model code of conduct in the 2019 elections.
“It is deeply concerning for the health of the world’s largest democracy that Election Commissioner Arun Goel has resigned on the cusp of the Lok Sabha elections. There is absolutely no transparency in how a constitutional institution like the ECI has been functioning and the manner in which govt pressurises them,” said Congress general secretary KC Venugopal.
Venugopal added, “During the 2019 elections, Ashok Lavasa had dissented against a clean chit to the PM for violating the model code of conduct. Later, he faced relentless inquiries. This attitude shows the regime is hellbent on destroying democratic traditions. This must be explained, and the ECI must be completely non-partisan at all times.”
It said then election commissioner, Ashok Lavasa faced “relentless harassment” from the Modi govt after he dissented against the clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for violation of model code of conduct in the 2019 elections.
“It is deeply concerning for the health of the world’s largest democracy that Election Commissioner Arun Goel has resigned on the cusp of the Lok Sabha elections. There is absolutely no transparency in how a constitutional institution like the ECI has been functioning and the manner in which govt pressurises them,” said Congress general secretary KC Venugopal.
Venugopal added, “During the 2019 elections, Ashok Lavasa had dissented against a clean chit to the PM for violating the model code of conduct. Later, he faced relentless inquiries. This attitude shows the regime is hellbent on destroying democratic traditions. This must be explained, and the ECI must be completely non-partisan at all times.”