President's intervention ends poll panel crisis
The crisis haunting the Election Commission has been resolved amicably, thanks to President K R Narayanan's intervention.
Expressing concern over the war of words between Election Commissioner G V G Krishnamurty and Chief Election Commissioner Dr M S Gill, the President urged the two officials to sink their differences and ensure that the ensuing general election was held in a 'harmonious atmosphere'.
The President's advice seems to have had the desired effect, and Krishnamurty, who stayed away from office in protest against Dr Gill's remarks over the Shiv Sena issue, today attended office after two days.
Before leaving for office, Krishnamurty told the media at his home that he was joining duty, keeping in mind the larger interests of the nation ahead of the general election.
Krishnamurty said he had a telephonic talk with Dr Gill this morning.
Describing Dr Gill as his ''distinguished colleague'', Krishnamurty said all the three members of the Election Commission -- J M Lyngdoh being the other commissioner -- will function jointly and collectively.
He, however, conceded that he had ''some differences'' with Dr Gill in the past.
Krishnamurty declined to comment on the new media policy -- that Dr Gill will hold all the media briefings at the headquarters and that the Commission, if necessary, will authorise one of the commissioners to hold a media meet -- finalised by the Election Commission at its meeting yesterday. Krishnamurty did not attend this meeting.
The Commission also said that the members would not announce quasi-judicial cases to the media. Information on such cases, if necessary, would be given only through media notes, it was decided.
The Commission also directed the central and state governments and the education boards to ensure that the educational institutions are made available for the general election for one month from February 15.
They have been informed that teachers's services will be required for election-related training and actual conduct of polls and counting. School buildings will be used as polling stations and counting centres, the Commission said.
UNI
EARLIER REPORTS:
Poll panel heads for major crisis
Election commissioners lock horns over Sena
Sena's reply to EC on Dec 24
Thackeray asked to appear before EC
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