Why is Congress Condemning the Government for Dodging ECI Discussions in Parliament?
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Synopsis
In a bold stance, Congress Whip Manickam Tagore has confronted the government for evading necessary discussions about the Election Commission of India in Parliament. With a rich history of parliamentary debates on this topic, Tagore questions the current administration's reluctance to engage. What does this mean for democracy and accountability?
Key Takeaways
- Manickam Tagore criticizes the government's avoidance of ECI discussions.
- Parliament has a historical precedent of debating electoral matters.
- Tagore emphasizes the importance of accountability in democracy.
- Past administrations openly discussed electoral reforms without fear.
- The current government is questioned for its reluctance to engage in dialogue.
New Delhi, Aug 9 (NationPress) Congress Whip in Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore on Saturday accused the government of avoiding discussions regarding the operations of the Election Commission of India in Parliament, asserting that it is not a restricted topic.
Tagore, representing Virudhunagar, expressed on X, "Why is the Honourable Parliamentary Affairs Minister @KirenRijiju hesitant to permit a debate on the Election Commission's operations in Parliament?"
Pointing out past occasions where electoral matters and the ECI have been discussed in Parliament, he stated, "This is not a novel occurrence; Parliament has deliberated on the ECI's actions and electoral reforms many times over the decades."
In his post, he included a comprehensive list of parliamentary discussions related to the ECI and electoral affairs.
"Let’s review history. Discussions in the Rajya Sabha regarding the ECI and electoral reforms date back to 1957, encompassing: annulment of election regulations, rescheduling & postponement of elections, and discussions on electoral reforms in 1970, 1981, 1986, 1991, 2015, as well as the use of money power & urgent legal amendments," said Tagore.
The Congress MP also recounted instances when Lok Sabha MPs raised concerns, including: electoral reforms (1981, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1995, 2005); postponing elections in Bihar and Tripura; issuance of photo ID cards, and investigations into rigging and foreign money allegations.
Tagore criticized Rijiju for allegedly concealing something from the public and remarked, "Democracy fades in darkness. If Parliament cannot discuss the institution that conducts our elections, where will accountability reside?... If previous administrations held these discussions openly, why not you?"
The Congress MP endorsed the Opposition's call for a discussion on Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Parliament, stating, "Even significant CEC decisions, like the postponement of elections in 1993, were debated openly in both Houses. Past governments did not shy away; they faced Parliament and provided answers."
"From money influence in elections (1978) to proxy voting for NRIs (2015), Parliament has served as the platform to hold the ECI accountable. So why is the Modi Government seemingly resistant to dialogue?" questioned Tagore in his post on X.
He also criticized the government for wasting 13 consecutive days in Parliament while "skirting a debate on the fraud involving Bihar’s voter list (SIR)."
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of open dialogue regarding the Election Commission of India. The Congress party's insistence on these discussions is not merely an opposition tactic; it reflects a broader commitment to transparency and accountability in governance. The past instances of parliamentary debates indicate a healthy democratic process that should continue.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main accusation by Congress against the government?
Congress accuses the government of avoiding discussions about the Election Commission of India in Parliament.
Who is Manickam Tagore?
Manickam Tagore is the Congress Whip in Lok Sabha, representing Virudhunagar.
What historical context did Tagore provide?
Tagore highlighted that discussions on the ECI and electoral reforms have taken place in Parliament since 1957.
What specific issues did Tagore mention regarding electoral reforms?
He pointed out past discussions about the annulment of election rules, postponement of polls, and various electoral reform debates.
What does Tagore suggest is at stake if these discussions are avoided?
He suggests that avoiding discussions on the ECI undermines accountability and democracy.
