Congress attacks EC for relief to Sikkim CM

New Delhi:The Congress has lashed out at the Election Commission (EC) for reducing Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang’s disqualification period by almost five years, which will enable him to contest the assembly elections and retain his post, if he wins.

AICC spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said on Sunday that Tamang had just recently became a BJP ally, and alleged that the EC’s move was a “clear message” that those who sing praises of the Centre “is immunised from the law of the land”. There are indications of a legal challenge to the EC’s decision from certain quarters.

Drawing a parallel between Tamang’s case and that of former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad’s, Singh said while both were charged, found guilty and served jail in the “chaara ghotala” (fodder scam), the former has benefitted from the EC move and can contest polls; the latter is in jail and is debarred from fighting elections.


Wondering whether Yadav too may have to sing praises for the government if he wants relief, Singhvi said: “I wonder how many people in the country are fortunate enough to get this benevolence (Tamang’s relief from EC). This largesse, this generosity of a generous EC and of a super generous government of India...I would suggest all such people who want this generosity, should start chanting a different mantra.”