The manner in which the Commission has summarily dealt with the subject, as evident from news report (https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/eci-reprimands-bjp-congress-says-defence-on-poll-campaign-utterances-not-tenable-101716370598755.html) raises more questions than answers. Does it not amount to the Commission abandoning its mandate under Article 324 and its obligation to ensure that electioneering conforms strictly to the rule of law? I am afraid that the way the Commission has dealt with the hate speeches of Prime Minister Modi and others also betrays its double standards in dealing with those that prima facie commit serious offences that hurt social harmony in the long run and those that have committed offences, serious enough but not affecting societal cohesion. The Commission has ordered the police in several States to file FIRs and take up criminal investigation into offences reported to have been committed by representatives of political parties and others. Yours sincerelyE A S SarmaFormer Secretary to the Government of IndiaVisakhapatnam

Source: Hindustan Times May 23, 2024 10:44 UTC