It an advisory; It is for those to take it or leave it: EC

With the BJP deciding to field Varun Gandhi from Pilibhit Lok Sabha seat ignoring the Election Commission's advice, Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami on Tuesday said it has done its duty and it was for the saffron party to 'take it or leave it.' "It is an advisory. It is for those to take it or leave it. We have done our duty. Our duty ends there", Mr. Gopalaswami told reporters here winding up his day-long exercise to review preparations for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections to be held in Karnataka on April 23. He said the Commission has not given any directive but only an "advisory". Asked whether the EC had powers to issue such directives, Mr. Gopalaswami shot back "it is not an order, it is an advisory. Is there any ban on giving advice to people?". Defending the Commission's action in asking the BJP to withdraw Mr. Varun's candidature, Gopalaswami said "we have seen the tape, and are satisfied. Hence, we passed the order (advisory)." The EC had on Sunday, while condemning Mr. Varun Gandhi's allegedly inflammatory speech with communal overtones, asked BJP not to field him from Pilibhit. The BJP rejected the EC's advice, maintaining the EC had no jurisdiction to make any suggestions on party candidates.

"Loved reading this piece by M. PIRAVI PERUMAL?
Join LAWyersClubIndia's network for daily News Updates, Judgment Summaries, Articles, Forum Threads, Online Law Courses, and MUCH MORE!!"

Join our Telegram group

Join our Whatsapp group