TMC MP Saket Gokhale Demands Bharat Ratna for Ex-CEC TN Seshan
In a recent turn of events, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saket Gokhale stirred controversy in the Rajya Sabha by demanding the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, for former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) TN Seshan. Gokhale’s move was met with a mix of surprise and applause from the opposition benches, with some members echoing his sentiments. But what drove Gokhale to make this unusual demand, and what did he have to say about the current state of the Election Commission of India (ECI)?
During the parliamentary session, Gokhale took to the floor to praise Seshan’s tenure as CEC, which he described as “independent” and “unparalleled.” Seshan, who served as CEC from 1990 to 1996, was known for his strong stance on electoral reforms and his efforts to curb corruption in the electoral process. Gokhale argued that Seshan’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process earned him a place among the country’s most revered public servants, and thus he was worthy of the Bharat Ratna.
Gokhale’s demand for Seshan was not without controversy, however. Many saw it as a veiled attack on the current ECI, which is widely perceived to be under the thumb of the ruling government. Gokhale did little to dispel this notion, accusing the current ECI of being a “government-appointed body” that lacks the independence and autonomy enjoyed by Seshan during his tenure.
Gokhale’s criticism of the current ECI was not limited to its perceived lack of independence, however. He also took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of undermining the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during elections by making “extremely communal and polarising speeches.” Gokhale argued that such rhetoric has a corrosive effect on the electoral process, creating an environment in which political parties feel emboldened to engage in divisive and often violent campaigning.
Gokhale’s comments were met with a mixture of applause and jeers from the opposition benches, with some members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) objecting to his characterization of the current ECI. However, his words were also echoed by several opposition leaders, who have long accused the Modi government of seeking to undermine the independence of the ECI.
So what does Gokhale’s demand for the Bharat Ratna for Seshan say about the current state of India’s electoral landscape? On one level, it is a testament to the enduring legacy of Seshan, who remains a respected figure in Indian politics despite his passing in 2019. However, it also reflects a growing sense of discontent among opposition parties with the current ECI and the government’s handling of the electoral process.
Gokhale’s criticism of the current ECI is not without merit. The commission has faced numerous criticisms in recent years, from allegations of partisan bias to charges of incompetence and sloppiness. The ongoing controversy surrounding the ECI’s handling of the recent Bihar assembly elections is a case in point, with many opposition parties accusing the commission of failing to take adequate measures to prevent electoral malfeasance.
Gokhale’s demand for the Bharat Ratna for Seshan is also a reminder of the importance of upholding the independence and integrity of the electoral process. In an era in which political polarization and communal polarization are increasingly prevalent, it is more important than ever that the ECI remains a bulwark against the forces of demagoguery and division.
In conclusion, TMC MP Saket Gokhale’s demand for the Bharat Ratna for ex-CEC TN Seshan is a bold and timely move that highlights the importance of upholding the independence and integrity of the electoral process. While it is unlikely to change the course of Indian politics overnight, it is a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Seshan and the importance of defending the democratic principles that underpin our electoral system.
Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/4b06a4d8-b727-42c5-a542-84a1af067d19
