Vijayawada: Former AP CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday said that YSRCP supported the system wherein the ruling party can nominate the Election Commissioner but today we are regretting the mistake we made by supporting it.

He said that he regrets supporting the 2023 law on appointment of CEC and other Election Commissioners. Earlier, YS Jagan met SEC Anil Chandra Punetha to complain about the attempts by the ruling TDP-led coalition Government to stop YSRCP candidates from filing nominations for the upcoming local body polls. He stated that SEC Punetha is appointed by Chandrababu Naidu, the YSRCP leader alleged that SEC was acting on his directions.

Speaking to the media persons in New Delhi YS Jagan said that ruling coalition Government should not nominate SEC or CEC. The ruling coalition government should not control the selection process of SEC or CEC.

YSRCP had supported CEC and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.  He remarked that an examiner cannot be appointed by the student. No matter, how sincere is the examiner, he has to face the criticism, if appointment is not done by a neutral body, he added.

YS Jagan demanded the restoration of the earlier system of appointment of CEC and other Election Commissioners. Panel comprising LoP, CJI and PM should appoint the CEC. He added that the presence of CJI will make it a neutral body.

He said that currently, PM and a Minister nominated by the PM have two votes and LoP have one vote. Since two votes go in favour of one person, he will be a nominee of the Government. This is a flaw in the system. We realized this after we made the mistake, he added. YS Jagan said that reforms to restore the earlier system that this was necessary to ensure the credibility of election system.

YS Jagan demanded similar reform for appointment of SEC. CM Chandrababu Naidu or the TDP should not appoint the State Election Commissioner, he added.