Himanta Biswa Sarma doesn’t surprise with his divisive rhetoric, thumbs nose at EC, SC

Context & The Gist

The article addresses the controversial statement made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, urging BJP workers to utilize Form 7 to “trouble” a specific demographic group. This action has sparked criticism for its divisive nature and perceived disrespect towards the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Supreme Court (SC). The core issue revolves around the potential misuse of electoral processes for political gain and the erosion of the principles of free and fair elections, particularly in the context of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The statement is seen as an attempt to influence the electoral roll revision process, potentially leading to the disenfranchisement of certain communities. It also highlights a broader concern about the politicization of the ECI and the challenges it faces in maintaining its neutrality and credibility.

Key Arguments & Nuances

• Divisive Rhetoric: Sarma’s language reinforces existing societal divisions and targets a specific community, potentially inciting prejudice and discrimination.
• Misuse of Form 7: Form 7 is intended for legitimate objections to inclusions in the electoral roll, not for targeted harassment or disenfranchisement.
• Contradiction with ECI Efforts: The CM’s actions undermine the ECI’s attempts to make the electoral process more inclusive and accessible, particularly after the SC’s intervention.
• Erosion of Institutional Authority: By openly defying the ECI and SC, Sarma challenges the authority of these constitutional bodies.
• Political Motivation: The timing of the statement, ahead of upcoming Assembly elections, suggests a deliberate attempt to polarize voters for electoral advantage.

UPSC Syllabus Relevance

• Polity: Election Commission – powers, functions, and limitations.
• Governance: Issues related to electoral reforms and the integrity of the electoral process.
• Social Issues: Communalism, social polarization, and their impact on democratic institutions.

Prelims Data Bank

• Article 324: Constitutional provision granting the ECI the power to conduct free and fair elections.
• Form 7: Used for filing objections to the inclusion of a name in the electoral roll.
• Special Intensive Revision (SIR): Ongoing process by the ECI to update and cleanse electoral rolls.
• Universal Adult Franchise: The right to vote for all citizens above a certain age (18 years in India).

Mains Critical Analysis

The incident exposes a critical gap between the constitutional mandate of upholding free and fair elections and the political realities on the ground. The CM’s statement, while potentially legally problematic, is symptomatic of a broader trend of using identity politics to mobilize voters. This raises serious concerns about the neutrality of the state machinery and the vulnerability of the electoral process to manipulation.

PESTLE Analysis

• Political: Demonstrates a disregard for constitutional propriety and undermines the ECI’s authority.
• Economic: Polarization can disrupt social harmony and hinder economic development.
• Social: Exacerbates existing social divisions and fosters mistrust between communities.
• Technological: The SIR process itself relies on technology, and its flaws (as highlighted in related articles) can be exploited.
• Legal: Potential violation of electoral laws and contempt of court.
• Environmental: (Not directly relevant in this case)

The implications extend beyond Assam, setting a dangerous precedent for other states and potentially eroding public trust in the electoral system. The ECI’s response will be crucial in demonstrating its independence and commitment to upholding the integrity of the elections.

Value Addition

• Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975): This case established the principle of the ECI’s independence and its role as a constitutional authority.
• T.N. Seshan’s Reforms: Former CEC T.N. Seshan is credited with strengthening the ECI’s powers and implementing measures to curb electoral malpractices.
• Model Code of Conduct: A set of guidelines issued by the ECI to ensure a level playing field during elections.

Context & Linkages

This article highlights the ongoing issues with the SIR process, including concerns about wrongful deletions and the burden placed on voters to prove their citizenship. Sarma’s statement exacerbates these concerns by suggesting a deliberate attempt to manipulate the process for political gain, potentially leading to the disenfranchisement of vulnerable communities.

This article discusses the ECI’s focus on identifying and removing “foreigners” from the electoral rolls, which has been criticized as a form of citizenship verification. Sarma’s rhetoric aligns with this trend, potentially fueling the narrative that certain communities are not genuine citizens and are therefore ineligible to vote.

This article details the procedural flaws and inconsistencies in the SIR process, raising questions about its fairness and transparency. Sarma’s call to action exploits these vulnerabilities, potentially enabling the manipulation of electoral rolls and undermining the integrity of the process.

The article points out the difficulties faced by citizens in navigating the appeals process during the SIR. Sarma’s directive to use Form 7 to “trouble” a demographic group further complicates the process for those already facing challenges, potentially leading to widespread disenfranchisement.

This article highlights the declining trust in the ECI and the tendency to blame the institution for electoral setbacks. Sarma’s actions contribute to this erosion of trust, further politicizing the ECI and undermining its credibility.

The Way Forward

• Stronger ECI Enforcement: The ECI must assert its independence and take swift action against any attempts to manipulate the electoral process.
• Awareness Campaigns: Conduct public awareness campaigns to educate voters about their rights and the proper use of electoral procedures.
• Legal Reforms: Strengthen electoral laws to deter the misuse of Form 7 and other electoral mechanisms.
• Promote Inclusive Politics: Encourage political parties to adopt inclusive rhetoric and avoid divisive tactics.
• Independent Inquiry: Initiate an independent inquiry into the CM’s statement and its potential impact on the electoral process.