Lucknow: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday launched a sharp attack on the central government over the appointment process of the Election Commission, demanding the repeal of the law governing the appointment of Chief Election Commissioners (CECs) and Election Commissioners (ECs). He argued that granting them legal immunity undermines the institution’s credibility.
Speaking to ANI, the Hyderabad MP recalled raising concerns in the Lok Sabha alongside former MP Imtiaz Jaleel when the bill was introduced. He claimed their warnings about the erosion of public trust in the Election Commission had come true.
Criticising the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, Owaisi said the legislation would affect the Election Commission’s credibility in the eyes of the public.
“When this bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha, before it became law, we said that the legislation would impact the credibility of the Election Commission in the eyes of the people of India. You added a provision granting legal immunity to whoever becomes the CEC or EC, even after retirement. How is that possible?” he said.
Owaisi questioned why Election Commissioners should receive legal immunity, citing cases involving former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao and senior BJP leader LK Advani to argue that even prominent political figures had faced legal proceedings.
Questioning the composition of the three-member selection panel, comprising the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, the AIMIM chief said the arrangement favoured the ruling government.
“How are you appointing the Election Commissioner? There is the Leader of Opposition, the Prime Minister, and a Union Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. Naturally, they will appoint their own person. That apprehension has unfortunately proven true,” he said.
Demanding reforms to the appointment process, Owaisi called for the reinstatement of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) on the selection committee.
“You will have to repeal this law. Bring back the Chief Justice of India, along with the Prime Minister and the Leader of Opposition,” he asserted.
Owaisi also raised concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, demanding that the exercise be discontinued immediately.
“On what basis is this SIR being conducted? Ten crore names have been deleted, and while submitting Form 6, you are asking for mapping. How will that work? There is simply no provision for it. This SIR must be discontinued, and this law must be repealed,” he said.
Referring to security measures and barricading in the national capital ahead of protests, Owaisi defended citizens’ right to demonstrate, stating that the Supreme Court had recognised protest as a fundamental right.
“The Supreme Court itself has said that protesting is a fundamental right. People will protest, and they should protest. If you shut down Delhi, will you be able to shut down people’s minds? You cannot. The entire situation has been completely mishandled,” he said.
However, when asked about the INDIA bloc’s proposed march to the Supreme Court demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Owaisi distanced himself from the demonstration.
“I have no association with it; I am not a part of it. How can I comment on it? I have nothing to say on it—it is their programme, let them carry it out,” he remarked.
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