CEC invokes poet-inside

Jammu, Mar 16:  It was an amusing dash of lyrical flow which the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar Saturday added to the ECI advisories, while cautioning politicians and media.

While announcing the election schedule for the general elections 2024, the CEC again invoked the poet-inside to respond to EVM-detractors.

His inclination towards poetry was at display, much to the amusement of one and all, present in the presser or those watching its live-streaming across the country. For many, the “poetic” side of the CEC came as a pleasant surprise.

Cautioning against flow of misinformation on the social media, he used lines, penned by him, to caution media as he recited, “Jhooth Key Bazar Mein Raunaq To Bahut Hai, Goya Bulbuley Jaise Turant Hi Phat Jaati Hai; Pakad Bhi Logey To Kya Haasil Hoga Sivai Dhokhey Key..”

“Please don’t forward whatever you get or see on social media,” was his advice to media.
Next ‘poetic’ caution was for politicians as he asked them to exercise restraint in their political speeches and stay away from hate-discourses. Here, he invoked Rahim by reciting his evergreen advice “Rahiman Dhaga Prem Ka Mat Todo Chatkaaye…”. In this context, he also used renowned Urdu poet Bashir Badr’s couplet: “Dushmani Jam Ke Karo, Lekin Yeh Gunjaish Rahey; Jab Kabhi Hum Dost Ho Jaayein to Sharminda Na Ho…”

He preferred to quote his own creation to respond to those criticising use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) by the Election Commission of India. He said that EVM detractors were raising their concern although they lost cases in the courts, including the apex court.

“Adhoori Hasraton Ka Ilzaam Har Baar, Hum Par Lagana Theek Nahin; Wafa Khud Se Nahin Hoti Khata EVM Ki Kehte Ho..,” was his dig reserved for EVM detractors, saying that it was “EVM’s response and not his.”