Paranoid MEA blocks CEC’s US visit, PM steps in to OK it

Reason? Sources said the MEA cited Washington’s ‘‘adverse’’ comments on the human-rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir. And the ‘‘fear’’ that a CEC visit could mean that the US would expect a reciprocal response from India during election time, particularly in J&K.

An upset Krishnamurthy, invoking his constitutional authority, sought the PM’s intervention to ‘‘respect’’ the autonomy of the Election Commission. The CEC also pointed out that in May, the EC had, to bring more transparency in the poll process, invited all Ambassadors in New Delhi, through the MEA, to visit any polling booth after prior notice.

That India allowed foreign nationals to witness the J&K elections in October 2002 and that those elections—conducted by the EC then chaired by J M Lyngdoh—got international acclaim is also a fact the MEA brushed aside.

Confirming the MEA’s denial, a PMO spokesperson told The Indian Express: ‘‘The Prime Minister has looked into the matter and cleared the visit.’’

Sources said that the MEA’s rebuff was conveyed to the CEC through a classified letter from a top official.

Barely two days ago, Krishnamurthy had told The Indian Express that his US trip was in the stage of ‘‘correspondence.’’ But today, despite repeated attempts, Krishnamurthy was not available for his reaction and EC officials declined to comment.