Jagan Reddy Demands Review of EC Appointment Law
YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy calls for transparency in the Election Commission and a review of the appointment law.
YSR Congress Party chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission, demanding greater transparency and a fundamental overhaul of how its officials are appointed. Speaking on Tuesday, the former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister emphasized that the very foundation of democracy rests on the public's unwavering confidence in constitutional institutions.
Concerns Over Internal Objections
Reddy highlighted troubling reports suggesting that two Election Commissioners had raised objections on multiple occasions regarding crucial decisions, the management of ECINet, and the accuracy of electoral rolls. He argued that these internal disagreements have fueled public skepticism.
“Democracy can stand only when people have complete confidence in constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission,” Reddy stated. He insisted that instead of political finger-pointing, the public deserves clear answers regarding what specific objections were recorded, what actions were taken in response, and how the process of adding, deleting, or restoring names in electoral rolls is managed.
“In a democracy, transparency should not only prevail but should also appear to have prevailed,” he added, stressing that the perception of fairness is just as vital as the process itself.
Proposed Reform for Appointment Process
The YSRCP leader called for an urgent review and amendment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. He suggested that the current legal framework needs to be updated to address existing concerns and restore institutional integrity.
Reddy proposed a new selection mechanism to ensure impartiality. He suggested that the Election Commissioner should be appointed by a high-level three-member committee consisting of:
- The Prime Minister
- The Chief Justice of India (CJI)
- The Leader of the Opposition (LoP)
He urged the Central Government to take the initiative in setting these norms to dispel fears of bias. “An amendment to the bill be brought forward where the election commissioner is appointed by the three-member committee... once again,” he remarked, noting that such a move would help rebuild trust in the electoral system.
Allegations of Misuse in Andhra Pradesh
Turning his attention to local issues, Reddy leveled serious allegations against the current ruling party in Andhra Pradesh. He claimed that authority was misused during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, leaving his party's appeals unaddressed.
Furthermore, he alleged that during the local body election process, the opposition's objections regarding the redrawing of electoral divisions were systematically ignored. According to Reddy, these actions serve to weaken the public's faith in the electoral machinery.
He concluded by reminding that transparency and accountability are the primary responsibilities of any democratic institution, and safeguarding these principles is essential for the protection of every citizen's right to vote.