Shining ok, but spare taxpayer: CEC to govt

He also indicated that the CEC wasn’t averse to seeking a ban on issuing of ads by political parties in the electronic media. ‘‘We should have a discussion with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry in this regard. So far, we have not discussed it. But we will have to address this issue,’’ Krishnamurthy said.

‘‘My personal view is that, as far as possible, taxpayers’ money should not be used for electoral advantages.’’

Asked about the date and schedule of the coming elections, Krishnamurthy refused to specify, apart from a cryptic note: ‘‘We have few options.’’

According to him, the dates depended on quite a few factors—deployment of paramilitary forces, local conditions in states and, most importantly, the annual school examinations. ‘‘We are getting prepared,’’ the CEC said. ‘‘At an appropriate time, we will announce the dates. We have certain procedural formalities to follow, particularly discussions with the Home Ministry and chief secretaries and DGPs of states.’’

Sources in the EC indicated that the election dates are likely to be announced around February 20, once the poll panel has the exact update on the ongoing revision of electoral rolls. Asked if the polls would be staggered in four or five stages, Krishnamurthy said: ‘‘It will depend on the (availability) of paramilitary forces.’’ However, he added, that ‘‘our intention’’ is not to stagger them too much. He also clarified that they preferred simultaneous elections in Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim ‘‘which have informed the Commission about the dissolution of their Houses’’.

While Krishnamurthy took charge as the new CEC, former home secretary N. Gopalaswami joined as the third election commissioner. The latter would have the longest stint in the EC, amounting to over 5 years. Welcoming Gopalaswami to the Commission, Krishnamurthy said: ‘‘He would be a value-addition.’’

Though past CECs had different ways of functioning, he added: ‘‘What players were to umpires, political parties are to the EC.’’ He also emphasised that the EC is a collective body. ‘‘It is concerned about the implementation of rules. It is the media that might have created an opinion that it is not a collective body.’’