Stalin Warns: BJP Administration Poses Severe Threat to Democracy Following Election Rules Amendment
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Chennai, Dec 23 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has vehemently condemned the recent alteration to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, branding it an undemocratic assault on free and fair elections.
In a post on X, Stalin asserted that democracy is enduring its most severe threat under the BJP-led Union Government.
The Union Government's modification to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, introduced on Saturday following recommendations from the Election Commission of India (ECI), has ignited considerable discussion.
This amendment limits public access to election materials, such as CCTV footage, unless specifically enumerated by the ECI.
Expressing his dissent, Stalin remarked, “Democracy is experiencing its most severe threat under the BJP-led Union Government, with the reckless amendment of Section 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules meant to undermine transparency in elections.”
He contended that this change was a response to a directive from the Punjab and Haryana High Court mandating the provision of CCTV footage from an election booth.
Stalin emphasized that this action compromises a fundamental aspect of the Constitution -- transparency. In a post on X, he stated, “The BJP-led Union Government's fear extends beyond Haryana, reflecting concerns over Maharashtra, where their orchestrated and unholy victory in the recent Assembly election has raised serious apprehensions.”
He expressed skepticism regarding the BJP's recent electoral successes, particularly in Maharashtra. Stalin criticized the ECI for what he termed as its readiness to yield to pressure from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.
He commented, “It is shocking that the Election Commission of India, instead of upholding its institutional integrity, has willingly succumbed to the Union Government’s influence, effectively tarnishing its own creation -- free and fair elections.”
The Chief Minister urged all political parties, including those aligned with the Union Government, to unite against what he labeled an undemocratic assault on free and fair elections.
It is noteworthy that the DMK and Stalin have remained vocal adversaries of the BJP-led central government.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the DMK-led coalition achieved a clean sweep, winning all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and the sole seat in Puducherry.
