Mamata Banerjee Criticizes BJP’s Move to Exclude CJI from Election Panel, Calls it ‘Disregard for Judiciary’

New Delhi, August 12, 2023: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sharply criticized the ruling BJP government for proposing a law that excludes the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the panel responsible for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs).

In her condemnation, she stated that this move indicates the BJP’s submission to anarchy and reflects their discomfort with potential implications for vote manipulation.

Taking to X, Banerjee expressed her concern, stating, “Amidst calls to bow down to the judiciary, the @BJP4India instead bows to anarchy! The CJI’s role in the 3-member committee for selecting the CEC is crucial. We strongly oppose replacing the CJI with a cabinet minister in the EC selection.”

Banerjee highlighted the significance of maintaining the CJI’s role in the appointment panel, emphasizing that it underscores the BJP’s disregard for the judiciary’s role in maintaining the electoral process’s integrity.

Questioning the intention behind excluding the CJI, she asserted, “India must question this blatant disregard for the judiciary! Are they aiming to turn the Judiciary into a minister-run kangaroo court? We pray to the JUDICIARY for INDIA. My lord, save our country!”

The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 aims to replace the CJI with a cabinet minister in the selection panel. This panel, comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, and the proposed cabinet minister, would be responsible for choosing the CEC and ECs.

The Congress has joined the chorus of opposition against the bill, citing the need for a bipartisan approach in appointments to Constitutional bodies. Congress Rajya Sabha member Randeep Surjewala deemed the bill an “assault on the Constitution, the judiciary, and people’s rights.”

The government, on the other hand, defended the move by pointing out the Supreme Court’s ruling in March that interim appointments should be based on a committee including the PM, LoP, and CJI until Parliament devises a permanent selection process.