New Delhi. Union Minister Piyush Goyal, while cornering Rahul Gandhi, reminded him of Congress's old track record. While addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, Goyal hit back at the allegations being made against the Election Commission and CEC by the Congress and the Indian alliance. Goyal said, Congress during its tenure from time to time destroyed the fair process of the Election Commission. Congress raises questions on the impartiality of the Election Commission but completely ignores its own work and past record. Congress gave election ticket to one CEC and made one a Union Minister. Made two CECs as Governors and also gave Padma Vibhushan to one sitting CEC.
Congress often uses former Chief Election Commissioner T.N. She praised Seshan's honesty. But in 1999, he was given a chance to contest against LK Advani on Congress ticket. Was this not an attempt to reward him? M.S. Gill was the Chief Election Commissioner from 1996 to 2001. In 2000, the then Chief Election Commissioner was awarded the Padma Vibhushan. Was this not a reward for his flattery and deeds? Tikaram Meena was the Chief Election Officer of Kerala. A year later, he was taken into the Rajasthan Manifesto team of Congress. In May 2026, Ratan U Kelkar was the Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala. Immediately after the elections, current Chief Minister VD Satheesan declared him as his Chief Secretary. Is it not a political trick that you help us in the elections and we will appoint you to the post.
Goyal said, earlier how was the Election Commissioner selected? The government chose and made whoever it wanted the chief. But Modi made a legal provision in 2023. Under this, the Leader of Opposition was made a member of the Selection Committee. Now along with the PM, the Leader of Opposition also decides who will become the Chief Election Commissioner.