"Right to vote is biggest democratic right": Himachal Minister Jagat Singh Negi amid EC row
Himachal Minister Jagat Singh Negi defends the right to vote and criticizes the new Election Commission appointment process.
Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has issued a strong defense of electoral integrity, stating that the right to vote is biggest democratic right for every citizen. Speaking to the media in Shimla on Wednesday, Negi addressed the ongoing political friction regarding the Election Commission and the sanctity of the voting process.
Criticism of Election Commission Appointment Process
The Minister launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Central Government regarding the recent changes to the selection process for the Election Commission. Negi alleged that these legislative shifts have significantly weakened the institution's independence.
He pointed out a critical distinction in how officials are appointed. "The Congress had been accused of making appointments during its governments, but at that time the appointment committee included the Chief Justice of India," Negi remarked. He noted that the current structure—comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister—has compromised the body's autonomy.
Negi further claimed that commissioners appointed under the current regime have functioned in alignment with the ruling party's agenda, raising concerns about the impartiality of the electoral process.
Defending Democratic Integrity Amid 'Vote Theft' Allegations
Addressing recent allegations concerning "vote theft," Negi emphasized the gravity of electoral manipulation. He stated that if a citizen's vote is allegedly altered to favor a different party, it strikes at the very heart of democracy.
While the BJP and the Election Commission have dismissed such claims, maintaining that all processes follow strict legal protocols, Negi insisted that the integrity of the vote must remain unassailable.
Internal Party Dynamics and 'Sleeper Cells'
The Minister also addressed his previous controversial remarks regarding "sleeper cells" and "Jai Chands" within the Congress party. Negi defended his stance, suggesting that the party cannot grow stronger if it ignores committed workers in favor of those with conflicting political interests.
"I have raised this issue in the interest of the Congress organisation," he explained, noting that his concerns regarding party discipline and the recognition of loyal workers had been formally presented to the party leadership.
State Issues: Cabinet Expansion and Nautor Land Rights
Turning his attention to Himachal Pradesh's internal governance, Negi touched upon several pressing state matters:
- Cabinet Expansion: Regarding the vacant Cabinet berth, Negi stated that the decision rests solely with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and remains pending.
- Nautor Land Rights: Negi highlighted that the issue of Nautor land rights has been unresolved for approximately three and a half years. He mentioned that the government has repeatedly approached the Governor and has launched the Nautor Adhikar Yatra to advocate for tribal communities.
- Monsoon Damage: The Minister also acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by monsoon-related destruction in the state.