Jairam Ramesh contrasts Manmohan Singh’s respect for EC with PM Modi’s political use
Jairam Ramesh contrasts Manmohan Singh’s respect for EC with PM Modi’s political use claims
M.U.H
14/07/202616
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday for viewing the Election Commission as “an instrument to exercise political hegemony,” contrasting this with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s regard for the Commission as “the soul of our democracy.” Ramesh made the remarks following former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi’s recollection of Singh’s respect for the institution.
In a post on X, Ramesh accused Modi of “capturing” the Election Commission and referred to the Special Summary Revision (SSR) process, alleging “mass disenfranchisement” pursued in line with the Prime Minister’s political objectives. “Dr. Manmohan Singh’s comment made to a former CEC that he considered the Election Commission as ‘the soul of our democracy’ has invited media attention. Dr. Singh’s comment is in sharp contrast to how the incumbent PM views the EC – as an instrument to exercise political hegemony,” Ramesh said.
He added, “Dr. Manmohan Singh could never have imagined that the EC would be so completely captured by his successor and that there would be CECs who would be so brazenly and blatantly partisan that they even commit mass disenfranchisement in pursuit of the PM’s political goals.” Ramesh also stated it was neither Singh’s nature nor ideology “to politicise such national institutions” and affirmed that history would be kind to the former Prime Minister “for his statesmanship and commitment to democracy and nation-building.”
SY Quraishi, who served as Chief Election Commissioner from 2010 to 2012, recounted in an interview that Manmohan Singh showed great respect for the Election Commission. He recalled an incident during the 2012 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections when the Commission had reprimanded then Union Law and Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid over his remarks promising quota increases for minorities if elected.
Quraishi said he informed Singh about the “loose talk” by government ministers, and Singh responded, “if that is what you think, I’ll commit suicide…” The former CEC added he was shocked by this reaction and it took 15 to 20 minutes to calm the then Prime Minister. Quraishi emphasised that any aspersions on the Election Commission were unacceptable to Singh.
The incident involved Khurshid’s announcement during his wife Louise Khurshid’s campaign as Congress candidate from Farrukhabad, promising nine per cent reservations for backward Muslims in Uttar Pradesh. The Election Commission found Khurshid had violated the model code of conduct and imposed the maximum punishment after a series of hearings.
Following the Commission’s action, some Congress leaders made critical remarks about the Election Commission and Quraishi personally, which upset the former CEC. Quraishi described a conversation with Harish Khare, media adviser to Manmohan Singh, where he expressed concern over the loose talk against the Commission, indicating it could damage the government’s standing. Khare agreed to inform the Prime Minister.
Reacting the next day, Singh reportedly made the dramatic statement about committing suicide, demonstrating his sensitivity and respect for the Election Commission, according to Quraishi. Khurshid later expressed regret over his remarks and said he “bows to the wisdom of the Election Commission.”
Following the Commission’s action, some Congress leaders made critical remarks about the Election Commission and Quraishi personally, which upset the former CEC. Quraishi described a conversation with Harish Khare, media adviser to Manmohan Singh, where he expressed concern over the loose talk against the Commission, indicating it could damage the government’s standing. Khare agreed to inform the Prime Minister.
Reacting the next day, Singh reportedly made the dramatic statement about committing suicide, demonstrating his sensitivity and respect for the Election Commission, according to Quraishi. Khurshid later expressed regret over his remarks and said he “bows to the wisdom of the Election Commission.”
