Election Commission’s Biased Notice: Undermining Democracy in India

New Delhi, 26 April 2024: The recent notice issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to BJP chief J.P. Nadda for complaints against Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sparked a heated debate on the impartiality of India’s electoral process. This move comes in the wake of PM Modi’s contentious speech in Banswara, Rajasthan, where he made inflammatory remarks suggesting divisive policies aimed at minority groups, particularly Muslims. While the ECI has taken a step forward by acknowledging complaints against a sitting Prime Minister, its handling of the situation raises serious concerns about its independence and effectiveness in ensuring fair elections.

PM Modi’s speech in Banswara, characterized by thinly veiled references targeting minority communities, is not an isolated incident. Throughout his tenure, he has employed divisive rhetoric that exacerbates communal tensions for political gains. Such tactics not only undermine the secular fabric of India but also pose a threat to its social cohesion and harmony.

The issuance of a notice to BJP chief J.P. Nadda instead of directly to PM Modi raises questions about the ECI’s autonomy and impartiality. By circumventing the individual responsible for the alleged violations and addressing the party leader instead, the ECI appears to be playing into the hands of the ruling party. This move undermines the accountability of political leaders and erodes public trust in the electoral process.

Moreover, the lack of specificity in the notice, which refrains from mentioning PM Modi by name, further muddies the waters. It suggests a reluctance on the part of the ECI to confront the ruling party directly, thereby compromising its mandate to enforce the Model Code of Conduct and ensure a level playing field for all political parties.

The ECI’s decision to issue notices selectively, targeting certain individuals while ignoring others accused of similar infractions, only serves to reinforce suspicions of bias. While the Commission claims to be addressing complaints “on a case-to-case basis,” its actions appear to reflect a double standard that favors those in power.

The unprecedented nature of this notice, coupled with the ECI’s history of giving clean chits to PM Modi in previous elections, raises serious doubts about the integrity of India’s electoral watchdog. The dissent note submitted by then-Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa underscores internal disagreements within the Commission regarding its handling of complaints against the Prime Minister, further casting a shadow over its credibility.

In the midst of a crucial election season, it is imperative that the ECI upholds its mandate to ensure free and fair elections. This requires unwavering commitment to impartiality, transparency, and accountability, regardless of the political affiliations of those involved. Any perception of bias or favoritism undermines the very foundation of democracy and erodes public confidence in the electoral process.

As citizens of a democratic nation, we must hold our electoral authorities accountable and demand the highest standards of integrity and fairness. The ECI must demonstrate its independence by addressing complaints impartially and holding all political leaders accountable for their actions and statements. Only then can we truly uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that every voice is heard in the electoral arena.