Announcing two-phase polls in Gujarat on December 1 and 5, the Election Commission today denied allegations of "bias" and said there were "multiple reasons" for the delay in election dates for the state. The Gujarat bridge tragedy was one of them, said the election commission chief.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said the Gujarat election dates are well within schedule. The votes in Gujarat will be counted on the same day as Himachal Pradesh - December 8 - despite the two-week gap in the announcement of dates for the two states.
"The Election Commission's impartiality is a proud legacy. We are 100 per cent impartial," he said.
"There are several factors in deciding the polls - weather, the date of the last term of the assembly, the tradition of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh results together. We have to balance a lot of things. We are well within time."
The Congress and other opposition parties have accused the election body of not announcing the dates along with Himachal Pradesh last month to give room to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to finish his campaign in Gujarat before the model code of conduct comes into play.
The term of the Gujarat assembly ends on February 18 and that of Himachal Pradesh, on January 8. The BJP is in power in both states.
Ahead of the announcement, the Congress had jabbed the Election Commission with a tweet that appeared to accuse the poll body of partiality. "The Election Commission of India is an autonomous institution. It conducts fair elections," the Congress tweeted.
"Some try to create a negative atmosphere... Actions and outcomes speak louder than words. No matter how much I try to make you understand, what's important are the actions and our correct results. Results have shown that those who are critical got surprising results. People question EVM but when results are in their favour, they go silent," the Chief Election Commissioner countered.
The Model Code of Conduct will be in place in Gujarat for 38 days, which is among the shortest periods. "That is the same as the Delhi election," Mr Kumar said.
He added: "The tenure of the Gujarat assembly is till February 18, so there is still time. There is a 72-day gap between the counting day and the day the Gujarat assembly term gets over."
On whether announcements to help the survivors of the Gujarat bridge tragedy could clash with the election code of conduct, Mr Kumar said: "If the level-playing field is disturbed by any decision, the Election Commission will take action."
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