ECI considering ways to address opposition concerns on alleged misuse of central agencies
Election Commission of India is learnt to be mulling over ways to address the concerns raised by INDIA bloc parties over «erosion of level playing field» due to the alleged «blatant and audacious misuse» of central agencies by the BJP-led government. ECI could soon issue an advisory on the matter.
Assessments within ECI indicate that legal and constitutional readings do not give much latitude to the panel in terms of specific actions, ET has gathered. However, it is also alive to INDIA bloc's concerns and the panel's own mandate and role in ensuring level playing field.
ECI may issue either a strong advisory to the Centre or a specific communication to agencies concerned. ET gathers that the panel is considering a draft to the effect.
During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, ECI had issued an advisory to enforcement agencies, asking them to ensure neutrality and keep the panel informed of their actions.
The advisory was issued in view of a report by the then chief electoral officer of Madhya Pradesh, in which he had told ECI that he was apprised of Bhopal and Indore income-tax raids several hours after they were conducted.
«This Election Commission strongly advises that all enforcement actions during the election period, even when conducted ruthlessly with a view to curb that blatant electoral malpractice (of using money power to influence voter behaviour), be absolutely neutral, impartial and non- discriminatory,» the ECI advisory dated 07.04.2019 said.
Unhappy with the CBDT response to its advisory and specific
