"Billdozer": Raghav Chadha Scoffs At Changes In Bill To Appoint Top Poll Officials
NDTV
Raghav Chadha said the changes made in the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, would enable the BJP to appoint whoever they please in this crucial post.
Aam Aadmi Party's Raghav Chadha launched a vociferous protest in Rajya Sabha today against a controversial bill on the appointment of top three election officials. Speaking during the debate on the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, Mr Chadha said the changes made in the bill would enable the BJP to appoint whoever they please in this crucial post.
"They have removed the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel and replaced him with a cabinet minister. This gives the government two votes... so with this 2:1 majority, they can appoint anyone, even Sambit Patra (BJP spokesman) if they wish. Can you imagine the situation then," Mr Chadha said, evoking smiles from the chair and guffaws from members.
"It is not a bill, it is a 'billdozer'. It is an insult to the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of India," he also added.