JAMMU, Sep 28: Senior BJP leader and former Sarpanch Adv Devraj Sharma today criticised the Congress for what he described as its contradictory approach towards the Election Commission, alleging that the party changes its position on the poll body depending on the election outcome.
Reacting to the Congress campaign against the Election Commission of India, Sharma said that democratic institutions derive their credibility from established procedures, transparency and the participation of all stakeholders. He questioned the political practice of accepting the electoral process when the results are favourable and raising doubts about the same process when the outcome is unfavourable.
“When Congress wins an election, it praises the Election Commission and accepts the mandate; when it loses, it starts questioning the same institution. This cannot strengthen democracy or public confidence in the electoral process,” Sharma said.
He maintained that political parties have every right to raise concerns regarding electoral procedures and seek clarification from the competent authorities. However, he said, such concerns should be pursued through appropriate constitutional and legal mechanisms and supported by specific evidence rather than broad allegations.
Sharma said the Election Commission is a constitutional institution entrusted with conducting elections and maintaining the electoral rolls and stressed that all political parties should contribute towards strengthening public faith in the electoral process.
He also urged political parties to focus on issues concerning citizens and present their policies and programmes before the electorate rather than allowing political discourse to revolve entirely around allegations regarding election management.
The BJP leader said that electoral democracy ultimately depends not only on institutions but also on the conduct of political parties and candidates. “The mandate of the people must be respected, whether it is favourable or unfavourable. Democratic maturity lies in accepting the verdict and working constructively for the people,” he said.
Sharma further said that if any party has concrete evidence regarding irregularities in electoral rolls or polling procedures, it should place the facts before the appropriate authorities and seek investigation through the prescribed mechanisms.He said political differences are an integral part of democracy, but constitutional institutions should not become the subject of political attacks merely because a particular party is dissatisfied with an electoral outcome.
The senior BJP leader called upon all political parties to maintain faith in democratic institutions, respect the electoral mandate and ensure that political competition remains focused on governance, development and issues affecting the common people.