Tried best to curb money power menace, says Quraishi

Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) SY Quraishi on Sunday revealed that during his interaction with democratic rights activists belonging to different parts of the country, he deliberated upon the challenges before the Election Commission and said that we are the biggest democracy but not the greatest. The interaction was part of an All India Conference of Citizens for Democracy and presided over by the eminent journalist, Kuldip Nayar.

“Candidates devised one or another method to defy Election Commission’s curb on using  money power during elections. They used vehicles of police and ministers, and ambulances. They dragged us to the court as well. However, I was determined to fight the menace of money and muscle power,” said S Y Quraishi, former Chief Election Commissioner.

Electoral reforms

The Bill on electoral reforms may come in the winter session of Parliament as the national consultation will take place shortly. Former chief election commissioner S Y Quraishi revealed on Sunday.

The former CEC said that state consultation was over and the national consultation is expected very soon. “I have discussed the issue with the Law Minister and expect the Bill to come in the winter session of Parliament. Quraishi supported the setting up of a collegium to appoint Election Commissioners. “It will be a good move which will  make the commission more credible and powerful. People will not allege that it is favouring the ruling party.  

“This (collegium) would eliminate such allegations since Election Commissioners would be nominated by the Leader of the Opposition and Chief Justice of India among others. I would feel more powerful if a collegium selects me. I support this move,” Quraishi  said.