“Democratic Victory”: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Welcomes SC’s Decision

The West Bengal Minister Mamata Banerjee today welcomed the order of the Supreme Court on the appointment of the Chief Election Commission & the election commissioners and described it as a “democratic victory”.

Mamata Banerjee tweeted that “Supreme Court’s landmark order is a democratic victory! We welcome the decision of the Constitution Bench on the appointment of Election Commissioners and Chief Election Commissioner. Will of the people prevails over the ill-fated attempts of the oppressive forces!”.
The Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court ordered a panel consisting of the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader and the Chief Justice of India to select Commissioners in the Election Commission of India.

The appointment of an election commissioner shall be on the recommendation of a committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of India and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, said the constitution bench headed by Justice KM Joseph and also comprising Justices Ajay Rastogi, Aniruddha Bose, Hrishikesh Roy and CT Ravikumar.

The Election Commission has to be independent and duty-bound to act in a fair and legal manner and is therefore abide by the provisions of the Constitution and the directions of the Court said Justice Joseph during the pronouncement of the order.

Justice Joseph further added that the hallmark of a substantial and liberal democracy must be borne in mind, democracy is totally linked to the power of the people. The power of the ballot is supreme, capable of unseating the most powerful parties.

Meanwhile, in reference to the viral infections caused by Adenovirus in Kolkata, CM Mamata Banerjee said that West Bengal reported two Adenovirus cases and 10 cases with pulmonary hemorrhage syndrome.

CM Banerjee further stated that “State has two adenovirus cases and 10 cases with pulmonary hemorrhage syndrome. There is no need to panic, we have arranged 5,000 beds. Since children cannot wear masks, they need to be kept at home. Take special care of children up to two years.”