New Delhi:
Raghav Chadha of Aam Aadmi Party today launched a vociferous protest in Rajya Sabha against a controversial bill on appointment of top three election officials. During the debate on the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Tenure) Bill, 2023, Mr Chadha said the amendments in the bill would allow the BJP to appoint whomever they want to this crucial post. .
“They removed the Chief Justice of India from the jury and replaced him with a minister. This gives the government two votes…so with this 2:1 majority they can appoint anyone, even Sambit Patra (BJP spokesperson) if they want. Can you imagine the situation then,” said Mr Chadha, eliciting smiles from the chair and laughter from members.
“It's not a bill, it's a billdozer. It is an insult to the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of India,” he also added.
If this bill is passed, the BJP can even make Sambit Patra our Chief Election Commissioner if it wants…
Chief Election Commissioner Bill and Sambit Patra and Sambit Patra I think it's…
Do we really want such a situation? pic.twitter.com/bqOp34OHGr
— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) December 12, 2023
Soon after, the bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha.
The opposition has opposed this provision of the bill, saying it would end all balance and transparency in the selection process. It has also pointed out that the change was a violation of a Supreme Court order.
In March, the top court had ordered that a three-member panel comprising the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of India and the Leader of the Opposition would choose the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
In the absence of a leader of the opposition, a representative of the main opposition party would sit on the panel, the court had said.