India News

Winning elections at all costs without ethics is new normal in politics: EC

Published

9 years ago

August 18, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The comments by Election Commissioner OP Rawat come in the backdrop of the recent Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat where the Congress and other opposition parties had alleged that BJP indulged in horse-trading, intimidation of Congress MLAs

In a sharp and strident indictment of the existing political and electoral system in India, Election Commissioner Om Prakash Rawat has said that winning elections “at all cost, without ethics, is the new normal in politics”. Rawat called for “exemplary action” by political parties, media, civil society organisations, constitutional authorities and all those having faith in democratic polity against this disturbing norm.

The Election Commissioner’s comments come close on the heels of the dramatic Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat where the Congress party faced sudden defections and cross-voting that almost cost its senior leader, Ahmed Patel, a fifth term in the Upper House. The Congress had alleged that the BJP was indulging in horse-trading and had been constantly intimidating its MLAs to ensure that Patel loses out to BJP nominee Balwantsinh Rajput – who had quit the Congress and joined the saffron party days before the Rajya Sabha polls.

Addressing the media at the Regional Consultation on Electoral and Political Reforms – Northern Region organised by the Association for Democratic Reforms,on Thursday, Rawat said: “Democracy thrives when elections are free, fair and transparent. However, it appears to a cynical common man… We have been scripting a narrative that places maximum premium on winning at all costs to the exclusion of ethical considerations. Winning the elections at all cost, without ethics, is the new normal in politics.”

In comments that seemed like a reference to the BJP, which has in recent months inducted a slew of leaders from various Opposition parties – more particularly the Congress – Rawat said: “The winner can commit no sin; a defector crossing over to the ruling camp stands cleansed of all the guilt as also possible criminality, etc. It is this creeping ‘new normal’ of political morality that should be the target for exemplary action by all political parties, politicians, media, civil society organisations, constitutional authorities and all those having faith in democratic polity for a better election, a better tomorrow”.

“In this narrative, the poaching of legislators is extolled as smart political management (through) strategic introduction of money for allurement, tough-minded use of state machinery for intimidation – all commended as resourcefulness,” Rawat added.

The ADR, which had organised the conference where Rawat made his pertinent observations, also released a report which reveals how between financial year 2012-2013 and 2015-2016 corporate houses had donated a total of Rs. 956.77 crore to five national parties – BJP, Congress, NCP, CPI and CPM – which accounted for 89 per cent of the total contribution of over Rs 1000 crore from known sources. The BJP has the biggest beneficiary – earning over Rs 700 crore – of these donations.

The Congress party, on Friday, endorsed Rawat’s comments and said that the Election Commission must initiate reforms regarding electoral management and funding.

“The kind of laws which this (BJP) government is enacting- making corporate donations anonymous through the process of bonds, removing the cap on the amount of their net profit, which a company can donate to a political party – are all retrogressive steps in their entirety (sic),” said Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Related Topics:BJP Congress Election Commission

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Six people died after a fire broke out in a residential building in Delhi’s Palam. Firefighters continue rescue efforts with 30 tenders at the spot.

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A tragic fire incident in southwest Delhi’s Palam area on Wednesday morning claimed the lives of six people, triggering a large-scale emergency response.

According to officials, the blaze erupted in a residential building, prompting immediate action from fire and police authorities. Around 30 fire tenders were rushed to the spot to control the flames and carry out rescue operations.

Authorities said they received a distress call at approximately 7 am reporting the fire at a house within the building. Firefighters were deployed swiftly amid concerns that several residents could be trapped inside the structure.

A fire services official stated that initial information suggested people might still be inside, leading to an intensive search and rescue effort. Emergency teams, including police personnel, reached the congested locality to assist in evacuation and crowd management.

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India News

Centre mandates 60% free seat allocation on flights, caps selection fees

Airlines must now offer 60% seats without extra charges and ensure better seating arrangements for passengers under new government rules.

Published

8 hours ago

March 18, 2026

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In a significant move aimed at protecting air travellers, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed airlines to ensure that at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight are offered without any additional selection fee. The decision follows widespread complaints from passengers about hidden charges, particularly for seat selection.

The directive has been issued through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which has introduced a series of passenger-friendly norms to enhance transparency and improve the overall flying experience.

Under the new guidelines, airlines have also been instructed to seat passengers travelling on the same PNR together, preferably in adjacent seats. This is expected to address long-standing concerns among families and group travellers, who often face inconvenience due to scattered seating arrangements.

The regulator has further emphasised the need to safeguard passenger rights in situations such as flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. Airlines have been asked to prominently display these rights across their websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and airport counters to ensure better awareness.

In addition, carriers must establish clear and transparent policies regarding the carriage of sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets. The move comes in response to frequent complaints over inconsistent rules and high charges. Airlines have been directed to align such policies with safety and operational standards while ensuring they are communicated in a simple and passenger-friendly manner.

To improve accessibility, the regulator has also asked airlines to share passenger rights information in regional languages.

India News

Mamata Banerjee warns BJP, EC over Bengal polls, says they will be accountable

Mamata Banerjee holds BJP and Election Commission responsible for any incidents during Bengal polls, raising concerns over officer transfers.

Published

22 hours ago

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has held the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission of India responsible for any untoward incidents in the state during the upcoming assembly elections, following the transfer of key officials.

Addressing concerns over administrative reshuffles, Banerjee said that changes involving senior bureaucrats, including the chief secretary and home secretary, could affect governance and law and order in the state during a crucial period.

The Trinamool Congress chief also announced candidates for 291 constituencies for the elections scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and 29.

Criticising the Election Commission, Banerjee alleged that the transfers were being carried out in a manner that benefits the BJP. She questioned the timing of the decisions and said such actions weaken the state administration at a sensitive time.

She further raised concerns about disaster management and essential services, stating that experienced officials familiar with the state’s situation have been replaced. According to her, this could impact administrative efficiency if any emergency arises before the new government is formed.

Protecting Bengal’s identity

Banerjee emphasised that the election is not merely about forming a government but about safeguarding Bengal’s identity and existence. She accused the BJP of misusing central agencies and attempting to influence the electoral process.

She urged that elections should be conducted peacefully, without external interference, and in line with democratic principles. The chief minister also expressed confidence that her party would return to power with a stronger mandate.

Appealing to voters, she called for support for the Trinamool Congress, asserting that the people of Bengal will ultimately decide the outcome and protect their democratic rights.