Maharashtra Dy CM Eknath Shinde accuses opposition of ‘double standards’ over EC
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde accuses the INDIA bloc of double standards regarding their protests against the Election Commission.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has launched a scathing attack on the opposition, accusing them of practicing "double standards" in their ongoing criticism of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The remarks come as the INDIA bloc prepares for a scheduled march in Delhi on October 6. The opposition group intends to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, raising concerns over the electoral process and alleged irregularities in voter data.
Shinde Questions Opposition's Changing Allegations
Addressing the controversy, Shinde pointed out the contradictions in the opposition's stance regarding voter statistics. He noted that the matter is currently being deliberated by the Supreme Court and questioned the logic behind the shifting complaints.
"The matter is currently before the Supreme Court. After the Lok Sabha elections, this same opposition staged protests asking how voter numbers had increased, and now they are asking how voter numbers have decreased; they are engaging in double standards," Shinde stated.
The Deputy CM further suggested that the opposition's grievances are often tied to their electoral fortunes. "If there is a mistake or a flaw in the process, it certainly ought to be rectified; however, they remain silent when they win but hurl abuse at the Election Commission when they lose," he added.
Victory vs. Protest: The Shinde Argument
Shinde highlighted that several opposition parties have successfully formed governments or secured significant victories under the current Election Commission's tenure. He specifically cited the following states:
- Telangana
- Karnataka
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
- That 14 critical decisions related to the SIR were made in the name of the Election Commission despite recorded objections from other Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
- Alleged alterations to Form 6.
- Claims of changes made to electoral-roll systems without the participation or approval of all Commissioners.
He used these examples to contrast the opposition's current demands for action against governments in West Bengal and Bihar. "The opposition has actually won in Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu under the tenure of this very Election Commission. Now they are demanding the dismissal of governments in West Bengal and Bihar, so, will they also have the governments in those four states dismissed?" Shinde questioned.
Supreme Court Weighs In on Voter Enrollment Claims
The political row unfolds amidst legal scrutiny in the highest court of the land. On Monday, the Supreme Court clarified its position regarding the modification of Form 6, which is utilized for enrolling new voters during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasized that the court has not authorized any modified version of the form. "Any modified Form 6 has not been approved by us. Let's be clear. When the record is produced, we would like to see who has modified," the CJI remarked.
The court also declined to pass an ex-parte interim order that sought the suspension of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Instead, the court has issued notices to the Centre, the Election Commission, Kumar, and other relevant officials to provide their responses.
The Core of the Legal Dispute
The petition currently before the Supreme Court raises several serious allegations, including:
The Supreme Court has stated it will examine these allegations thoroughly once responses are received from the respondents, noting that if any violation of the statutory framework is proven, the court has the power to undo the decisions in question.