CPM seeks statue amendment for EC reforms

NEW DELHI: In the wake of its recent tiffs with the Election Commission, the CPI(M) on Wednesday sought a Constitution amendment on the modalities of appointment and removal of the Election Commissioners and to make them accountable for their "omissions and commissions".

Initiating a debate on the need to reform the EC, CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat on Wednesday circulated a note calling for legislative measures relating to the composition of the commission and its powers and jurisdictions.

The CPI(M)'s demand comes after the Left parties' recent brush with the EC over the unprecedented five-phased assembly elections in West Bengal and the office of profit controversy after petitions against several Left MPs, including Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, seeking their disqualification.

The party suggested amendments or fresh legislation, if required, to clarify grey areas in a large number of issues, including delineating the role of observers and their selection and deployment of paramilitary forces when law and order is a state subject.