Rajiv Kumar, the outgoing Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), has raised concerns about the growing trend of blaming the Election Commission of India (ECI) after political parties face electoral defeats. Speaking at his farewell address, Kumar stressed the need for upholding the independence and credibility of the ECI, urging political leaders to refrain from making the institution a scapegoat for their losses.
He highlighted that the Election Commission has always worked with the utmost transparency, fairness, and adherence to constitutional principles. The CEC expressed disappointment over the increasing tendency of parties to challenge the ECI's integrity, especially following electoral setbacks.
Kumar also pointed out that such actions undermine the confidence of the public in the election process, and it is crucial for all stakeholders to trust the systems in place. He appealed to future leaders and citizens to work towards strengthening democratic institutions rather than weakening them with baseless accusations.
As Rajiv Kumar prepares to step down from his position, his comments are likely to provoke discussions on the challenges faced by the Election Commission and the broader health of India’s democracy.
