Kumaraswamy Urges ECI to Disclose Facts Behind Reported Differences

Union Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday called on the Election Commission of India to make public the facts behind reports of differences among the three officials at the helm of the poll body.

Speaking to reporters, he said the Commission should explain the reasons for the reported discord and clarify what had actually transpired, so that the credibility of the institution is not damaged.

His remarks came in response to a question on Congress protests, which alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had taken several decisions unilaterally despite objections raised by the two other Election Commissioners. The JD(S) is an ally of the National Democratic Alliance.

"My appeal to the Election Commission is this: What is the reason for these differences? What is the truth behind the developments? They should tell the people of the country what the facts are," Mr. Kumaraswamy said.

He stressed that the matter was not about attaching importance to protests by political parties, but about understanding why such an atmosphere had come about.

The Commission, he added, should place the facts before the people and protect the dignity of the institution.

Describing the ECI as a responsible constitutional body, Mr. Kumaraswamy said it had played a significant role in sustaining democracy in the country over the past 78 years.