Citing former PM Manmohan Singh, BJP says Congress has habit of discrediting EC
The BJP has accused the Congress party of a long-standing habit of discrediting the Election Commission, citing past remarks by former PM Manmohan Singh. Congress responded by defending Singh's legacy while accusing the current administration of using the institution to maintain political hegemony.
Why it matters
This exchange reflects the ongoing intense political polarization in India regarding the independence and integrity of constitutional institutions.
NEW DELHI: BJP cited ex-PM Manmohan Singh's anguished remarks that he would "commit suicide" after then chief election commissioner S Y Quraishi conveyed the poll watchdog's pain at loose comments of his ministers as proof of Congress's habit of attacking the institution, as it alleged that the party's playbook had remained unchanged even in opposition."When in office, it sought to browbeat the EC; when out of office, it seeks to discredit the institution whenever electoral outcomes don't suit it," BJP said, even as Congress picked up other references made by Quraishi in his forthcoming book to take a swipe at PM Narendra Modi."It was neither Singh's nature nor his ideology to politicise such national institutions.
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