To win at all costs is new narrative: Election Commissioner

To win at all costs is new narrative: Election Commissioner
To win at all costs is new narrative: Election Commissioner

NEW DELHI: A new narrative is being scripted which places maximum premium on winning elections “at all costs to the total exclusion of ethical considerations,” Election Commissioner O P Rawat has said, criticising the “creeping new normal of political morality.”

“In this narrative, poaching of legislators is extolled as smart political management; strategic introduction of money for allurement, tough-minded use of state machinery for intimidation etc are all commended as resourcefulness,” he said.

Rawat said that under the new narrative, “the winner can commit no sin” and “a defector crossing over to the ruling camp stands cleansed of all the guilt as also possible criminality.”

Addressing an event here, he said it was this “creeping new normal of political morality” that should be the target for “exemplary action” by all political parties, politicians, media, civil society organisations, constitutional authorities and all those having faith in democratic polity for “a better election, a better tomorrow.” (AGENCIES)