No political leaning behind Sibal’s posting, says EC

On Tuesday, the BJP had objected to the EC availing the services of Sibal on its behalf in the Supreme Court in a case relating to the government vehicles being used by Uttar Pradesh ministers for election purposes.

The BJP said that it was "disturbed" that the Election Commission of India, an independent impartial body in a legal issue between it and the BJP-led UP government had considered engaging the services of the Congress’ official spokesperson.

Sibal, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, had also represented the Election Commission in another politically sensitive case, that relating to the allotment ofthe Charkha symbol to the Nationalist Congress Party led by Sharad Pawar.

Rejecting the BJP’s complaint, the EC said such "petty doubts" should not arise over its neutrality. "The Commission’s neutrality is grounded on more firm foundations," it said.

"The Commission wishes to make it clear that in choosing its doctors and lawyers, the Commission looks for effective service and not the political leaning of such persons".

The Commission said it would be just as "happy" to use the services of Jaitley, who also is a very effective speaker.