"We Don't Take Dictation": Poll Body On Congress' "Match-Fixing" Charge

The Chief Election Commissioner, stressing that it wants to consult all political parties, pointed out that they gave the grand old party time in January, ahead of any other party, to meet.

A day after Congress skipped a key meeting with the Election Commission alleging that the Assam delimitation process is a "pre-determined move" and they feel there is a 'match-fixing' between EC and BJP over this issue, the Chief Election Commissioner made a stern assertion about equitability and transparency.

"EC does not take dictation from anybody. As a commission, our process depends on two foundations - disclosure and participation," Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said at a press conference in Guwahati, assuring that every community across the state will be considered fairly, within the legal framework, and adhering to principles of equity.

Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah had said they went to Delhi and submitted a memorandum to the EC where they raised several doubts about the redrawing of district boundaries, but the poll body was yet to respond. "We are ready to meet and discuss with the EC but first, we need to get a reply to our queries," he had said.

"Now they are only giving 10–15 minutes, and we don't think meeting them will be of any use," Congress MLA and Assam Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia said yesterday.