EC row: Maharashtra Deputy CM Shinde hits out at Opposition protests, says ‘fake narrative’ has burst

Eknath Shinde also accused Opposition parties of selectively targeting Election Commission depending on election results. File Pic

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday criticised the Opposition over protests against the Election Commission Chief (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, saying the poll panel had already addressed the concerns through a detailed statement.

Shinde said all three Election Commissioners had held a joint meeting and issued a detailed press release explaining the matters under question.

The opposition has been protesting against Kumar and demanding his ouster following a news report that Election Commissioners S S Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on record at least 14 times over the previous 10 months on decisions relating to voter registration, deletion and restoration of names and the SIR exercise.

Shinde questions Opposition protests

Speaking to IANS about the ongoing controversy, Shinde said the "fake narrative" being spread against the Election Commission had been completely exposed following the recent poll panel's explanation.

"All three Election Commission members held a joint meeting and issued a detailed press release, thoroughly clarifying matters. The fake narrative being spread has burst like a balloon, deflating completely," Shinde told the IANS.

He questioned the need for further protests after the Election Commissioners had jointly responded to the allegations.

"Now that all three Election Commissioners have jointly provided a detailed explanation, what is the point of protesting?" he said, the news agency reported.

‘EC is fine when they win'

Shinde also accused Opposition parties of selectively targeting the Election Commission depending on election results.

He said the poll panel was considered to be functioning properly when Opposition parties won elections, but was blamed when they lost.

"When they win elections, whether in Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, or Himachal Pradesh, the Election Commission is deemed fine. But when they lose, they blame and attack the Election Commission," Shinde said, according to the IANS.

CEC faces Opposition criticism

The Election Commission has faced criticism from Opposition parties over issues related to electoral rolls and the conduct of elections. Opposition leaders have demanded greater transparency and accountability from the poll panel.

The remarks by Shinde came as protests against Gyanesh Kumar continued in Mumbai and other parts of the country.

The Election Commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing and has issued explanations on the issues raised by political parties.

(with IANS inputs)