EC and govt at loggerhead

Here is the Chief Election Commissioner categorically saying that in his reckoning no 'acceptable' UP elections can be held without the army being deployed for the purpose. He even went on to add that non-compliance with his request for army assistance in this specific case was 'unconstitutional'.

He is basically making one point: as the constitutionally mandated authority, he is both entitled to as well as in the best position, to be judging what his requirements are to hold the elections freely and fairly. It is not for the government of the day to question why he is asking for something nor make any value judgement on it but to create an enabling environment for and materially assist the Election Commission in conducting the polls efficiently. That's why he has been given the statutory position to act independently within stated constitutional terms of reference. There cannot be any second opinion on this point.

But to our utter surprise and consternation, for the second time in a row, Haris Chowdhury, the Prime Minister's political secretary has reacted, we must say rather abrasively to the CEC's request for army assistance. He has had the temerity to assert that his observations are 'unacceptable' and that a congenial environment exists for the polls in his perception. Who, may we ask, is he to say what is acceptable and what is not in reference to comments by no less a person than the CEC?

Election is about getting a new generation of leaders. If army's involvement as the watchmen for law and order during the polls improves matters why should the government have any reservations about it?

The important question to consider is: does the CEC's concern reflect public opinion or not? We think it does. Most people would like to see the EC discharge its responsibilities in its own light and according to its best judgement. Its risk perception is credible. For, this must have been based on weather-taking as to vulnerability of different areas to trouble in the case of such a big electoral exercise.

The bottom-line is, when it comes to holding elections there is no scope for any friction of opinions between any government functionary and the CEC on the congeniality of environment. Conduct of polls is an electoral, not a political matter, with the CEC entirely in charge there. His judgement of what he needs for the polls has an overriding importance.

Haris Chowdhury's reactions to CEC's request for special law and order support amounts to interference in the conduct of UP polls.