CEC Lyngdoh Turned Down BJP's Call for Early Gujarat Election in 2002
In July 2002, Chief Election Commissioner JM Lyngdoh rejected BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley's request to hold early polls in Gujarat, citing the state's unstable government.
Amid the aftermath of the Godhra train burning and subsequent anti-Muslim riots, Gujarat remained in turmoil in July 2002. BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley met Chief Election Commissioner JM Lyngdoh, arguing that early elections were feasible since other states had proceeded despite unrest. Lyngdoh countered that Gujarat differed due to a discredited state government, refusing to entertain the early poll request.
Jaitley accused Lyngdoh of politicising his language, while Lyngdoh maintained that electoral integrity required a credible administration. The episode, recounted in Lyngdoh's book "Chronicle of an Impossible Election," underscores the Commission's role in safeguarding democratic processes during crises.
Why it matters
It shows how India's election authority can block premature polls to protect democratic legitimacy during unrest.
How this story developed
- Oct 14 India detains Cockroach movement leaders as boat tragedy kills children and US secretary visits
- Oct 14 Thousands of young demonstrators gathered in Delhi to protest what they claim are irregularities in the voter registration process, targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.
- Oct 15 American OCI holder Imran Khan was instructed to exit India by Oct 28 after BJP leader Kirit Somaiya raised objections to his involvement in a Mumbai demonstration demanding the chief election commissioner’s resignation.
- Oct 15 Opposition leaders announced a coordinated rally to demand the release of the detained activists.
- Oct 15 BJP representatives praised the enforcement action against Khan.
- Oct 16 The unrest has spread from Delhi to multiple major Indian cities.
- Oct 21 A magistrate extended the leaders' judicial custody by two days.
- Oct 22 The Cockroach Janata Party falters in the October voter‑roll protest.
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