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Hardoi, Oct 15 (IANS) After the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that special arrangements will be made at polling stations for “respectful” identification of burqa-wearing women voters in Bihar, Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad on Wednesday said the ECI is an independent constitutional body that has full authority to ensure free, fair and impartial elections wherever there are concerns.
Sanjay Nishad said, “Legislature, executive and judiciary are the three pillars in a democracy, each with its own defined role. The Constitution has created a system where the Election Commission functions independently within its constitutional framework. If any issue or irregularity arises, it is addressed and reviewed through the judiciary. The ECI has complete freedom to act in the interest of fair elections.”
“Muslim women have the right to progress in life. The ECI’s move is right and appropriate,” he said.
Responding to the Samajwadi Party’s criticism of the Election Commission’s directive, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said, “The Samajwadi Party has always opposed the Constitution and the rule of law. I do not see any problem in the Election Commission’s decision. The entire state knows that their statements stem from appeasement politics.”
On 10 October, the Election Commission announced that to encourage the participation of burqa-clad women, special arrangements would be made at polling stations for their “dignified identification” in the presence of female polling officers or attendants, thereby maintaining their privacy.
In response, Samajwadi Party demanded withdrawal of the instructions. He claimed that this is a violation of the principles of transparent, free and fair elections. In a memorandum to the ECI, he cited the Commission’s own Handbook for Returning Officers (page 143, paragraph 13.6.9), which authorizes polling officers to check voter ID cards.
“The new directive raises questions on the impartiality and transparency of the Election Commission and appears to target voters of a particular community. It is undemocratic and unconstitutional,” the memorandum said.
–IANS
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