By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi (India): Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra welcomed the Election Commission of India’s decision to extend by one month the deadline for filing claims and objections related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Delhi, up to October 30, describing it as a “sensitive decision”.
Addressing a press conference conducted by Delhi BJP Chief Spokesperson Dr Anil Gupta, Malhotra said the Election Commission’s clarification following a meeting of all three Election Commissioners had exposed what he described as an attempt by a newspaper to create sensationalism through an unverified report.
Malhotra said the Election Commission enjoys a strong international reputation and claimed that several countries had sought its assistance in resolving electoral disputes. He accused some Opposition politicians of conducting an “organised campaign” to undermine the dignity of the poll panel out of political frustration, and said the Delhi BJP strongly condemned such efforts.
According to Malhotra, the Election Commission’s statement made clear that decisions, including the initiation of the SIR process in 30 states, including Bihar, West Bengal and Delhi, were taken after due deliberation and by consensus among the Commissioners.
He also said the Commission’s clarification rejected what he termed “falsehoods” surrounding a letter written to the Cabinet Secretary.
Malhotra criticised Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, for questioning the Election Commission on the basis of the newspaper report. He said the Opposition had even demanded the arrest of the Chief Election Commissioner.
Referring to the newspaper report, Malhotra pointed to its concluding line, which stated that emails, letters and messages had been sent to the two Election Commissioners but no responses had been received. He argued that this itself indicated that the report had not been independently verified.
Malhotra said the controversy had unnecessarily raised questions over the credibility of the Election Commission and accused Opposition leaders of attempting to tarnish its reputation following electoral setbacks.
He also welcomed the Commission’s decision to extend the deadline for SIR claims, objections and related matters in Delhi until October 30, calling the move a sensitive step that would provide additional time in the electoral revision process.
