STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) J&K UT Spokesperson and Convener, International Affairs, Gaurav Gupta, on Friday strongly rebutted what he called a misleading campaign by the Congress regarding the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs). He accused senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, of deliberately distorting constitutional facts to undermine public confidence in India’s democratic institutions.Gupta clarified that since the Election Commission of India was established in 1950 under Article 324, appointments of the CEC and ECs have been made by the President on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister. He noted that this practice continued for over 73 years, including during long periods of Congress rule, and that no permanent selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, and Chief Justice of India ever existed.Referring to the Supreme Court judgment in Anoop Baranwal vs Union of India (March 2023), Gupta said the court stated that the interim mechanism involving the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, and Chief Justice was temporary, to remain until Parliament legislated. He accused Congress of suppressing this key aspect to mislead the public.Gupta highlighted that Parliament enacted the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, providing a statutory framework fully aligned with the Constitution and separation of powers. He dismissed allegations of “institutional capture” as politically motivated, stressing that attacks on independent bodies undermine democratic discourse. He asserted that the 2023 Act strengthens transparency, accountability, and parliamentary supremacy while safeguarding the Election Commission’s independence.