Arjun leaves EC officials bemused

NEW DELHI: For once the Chief Election Commissioner BB Tandon and his two colleagues were at their wits end on dealing with HRD minister Arjun Singh. Singh was meeting them to explain his position on OBC quota issue in IITs and IIMs. The meeting comes a day after the minister met President Kalam.

The poll panel is expected to take a formal view early next week on whether to indict the minister for allegedly violating the model code of conduct.

The meeting took place at the minister’s request and the Election Commission had kept it a secret.

DNA got an insight as to what exactly transpired in the brief meeting. Once Singh reached Nirvachan Sadan, he demanded to know what clarifications the EC wanted to have.

The Chief Election Commission politely reminded him “You wanted to meet us to clarify your position. This meeting has been organised in accordance to your wish.”

Singh replied that “Yes, I had made the request. But after you sought clarifications, I have said everything in my second reply. I have nothing more to say beyond that.”

The top EC officials were flummoxed as tea had already been ordered and the minister seemed to be in a tearing hurry to depart.