In a statement made on Sunday, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal expressed his views on the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, asserting that it serves as tangible evidence of the Election Commission’s alignment with the government.
Sibal further questioned the recent appointments of two election commissioners, Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu. He pointed out the discrepancy between these appointments and a Constitution bench judgment stipulating that the Chief Justice of India (CJI) should be a member of the committee recommending such appointments.
Reflecting on the extended duration of the Lok Sabha polls and the appointments of the commissioners, Sibal remarked, “The manner in which these two election commissioners were appointed, disregarding the Constitution bench’s directive despite the ongoing challenge in the Supreme Court, and the hastened nature of their appointments, all indicate a clear intention to install individuals favorable to their agenda.”
Regarding the seven-phase election in West Bengal, Sibal emphasized its significance, portraying the Election Commission as an extension of the government’s influence. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced the commencement of elections on April 19, followed by subsequent phases on April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1.
Polling is scheduled across all seven phases in Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. The decision to hold the elections in seven phases has drawn criticism from the Trinamool Congress, citing concerns about unfair advantages to wealthier parties.
Commenting on recent developments involving Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and BRS leader K Kavitha, Sibal criticized the government’s tactics aimed at hindering opposition leaders’ ability to campaign freely.
Sibal also took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s praise for the Enforcement Directorate, sarcastically commending the agency’s “unwavering loyalty” to corruption.
Addressing the electoral bonds controversy, Sibal highlighted the transparency issues and questioned the government’s adherence to constitutional principles. He referenced statements made by RSS leaders in 2011 regarding support against corruption, urging them to confront the prevalent corruption openly.