Himanta Biswa Sarma Defends ECI Against Unilateral Claims
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has defended the Chief Election Commissioner following recent media reports about internal disagreements within the Election Commission of India. He stated that the commission functions as a collective body where decisions are made through consensus or a majority vote rather than by one person alone.
Legal Framework of the Election Commission
The Chief Minister explained that the Election Commission cannot take decisions unilaterally. He pointed out that under Article 324 of the Constitution and the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, the body consists of three members with equal voting power. Legally, the Chief Election Commissioner cannot overrule the other two commissioners if they form a majority against a specific measure.
Response to Political Criticism
Sarma described the recent criticism from opposition parties as a political campaign. He stated that portraying the Chief Election Commissioner as an authoritarian figure misrepresents how the commission actually works. He added that final orders from the poll body require approval from the panel, making it impossible for the Chief Election Commissioner to act entirely on his own.
Local Administrative Updates
Along with national political remarks, the Chief Minister also provided updates on upcoming state elections. He confirmed that the Mising Autonomous Council and Sonowal Autonomous Council elections will take place in November. These local polls will be conducted without the use of party symbols.