Senior Congress leader Udit Raj has raised concerns about the fairness of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the current Assembly elections. He pointed out that in Tamil Nadu, the BJP’s ability to influence the election results through the ECI is limited due to a significant political gap between the BJP and the ruling DMK. Raj emphasized the importance of upholding law and order during elections, expressing skepticism about the ECI’s impartiality this time.
His remarks come amidst the ongoing Assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, with West Bengal gearing up for another phase of polling on April 29 and the results scheduled to be announced on May 4. Udit Raj highlighted the historical association of violence with the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct by the Election Commission, stating his doubts about the Commission’s neutrality in the current scenario.
Addressing the alleged influence of the BJP over the ECI, Udit Raj criticized the BJP’s attempts to sway the election outcomes, especially in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. He noted the disparity in political forces in Tamil Nadu, making it challenging for the BJP to manipulate the results. Raj also expressed concerns about potential violence in West Bengal, urging the Election Commission to take stringent measures to ensure peaceful elections in the state.
Udit Raj further mentioned the ECI’s notice to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the BJP of having a discriminatory mindset. He highlighted past instances within the BJP, such as the case of Bangaru Laxman, to illustrate what he described as a dangerous mindset within the party. Raj emphasized the need for the Election Commission to maintain fairness and prevent any form of violence during the electoral process.
