Differing from big brother CPI(M)’s stand on the Supreme Court judgement striking down the amended electoral reforms law, the CPI today said all political parties should ‘‘gracefully accept’’ the apex court’s order which requires candidates to declare their assets, criminal antecedents and educational qualifications at the time of the filing nominations.‘‘We are going to tell all the political parties that it is time we accepted the SC order. It is not a question of the judiciary being against the legislature. The issue is about upholding the rights of the voter,’’ CPI general secretary A.B. Bardhan said. Admitting their view is different from other Left parties, Bardhan said: ‘‘Our national executive feels the voters have a right to know their candidates. They should provide information about their criminal antecedents, if any, assets and liabilities and educational qualifications.’’‘‘However, the candidates should be allowed to state the nature of the offense. Since no distinction is made in our laws between criminal acts and those arising from agitation on peoples’ issues, the candidate should be allowed to state what the case against him or her is,’’ the CPI leader said.CPI(M) general secretary Harkishen Singh Surjeet raised objections about the inclusion of educational qualification in the candidates’ declaration at the filing of nominations, saying it violates constitutional provisions. A CPI delegation led by D. Raja met the Chairman Delimitation Commission and asked it to be more transparent in its working. ‘‘The work of the commission is causing apprehensions and complications in several states,’’ Raja said.Meanwhile, BJP general secretary Rajnath Singh said the PM will convene an all-party meet to discuss the situation arising out of the SC verdict.
