New Delhi, March 15: The Election Commission announced the election dates for West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the Union Territory of Puducherry on Sunday. In response, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi has raised concerns about the need for fair elections.
In an interview, Chaturvedi emphasized that with the announcement of elections, the Election Commission must ensure that the process is entirely free and fair, without any interference. She stated that the ruling party should not gain any undue advantage, and the rights of voters must be fully protected.
Chaturvedi criticized the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election,’ arguing that election cycles should not be staggered in a way that could affect the outcomes. She pointed to past instances of misuse of the SIR and the subsequent rise of the BJP government as examples of this concern.
She further alleged that the Election Commission appears to operate under the BJP’s agenda. Observations during election rallies reveal the type of language used, with actions taken only against opposition leaders. The central government and its leaders seem to escape scrutiny from the Election Commission. Chaturvedi stressed the importance of the Commission’s impartiality.
She noted that the Commission is announcing the election schedule at a time when Prime Ministerial rallies and development project announcements have already occurred in the election-bound states. This timing raises questions about the relationship between the BJP and the Election Commission.
Chaturvedi expressed hope that voters’ rights would not be undermined through the SIR and that the electoral process would be conducted in a completely fair manner.
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