
Belgian row: Former CEC Gill bats for Sonia
The controversy generated by divergent views in the Election Commission on the handling of the “frivolous” complaint against Congress president Sonia Gandhi receiving a Belgian honour in 2006 was “avoidable” and “has not done any good to the panel” said former Chief Election Commissioner MS Gill.
Gill, who has been the longest serving CEC, told the Hindustan Times that the panel had “no reason” to even deliberate on the complaint which alleged that by accepting the Belgian honour, Sonia had shown allegiance to that country’s Constitution.
Sonia was conferred the Order of Leopold, the second highest civilian award in Belgium, and an honorary doctorate by the Belgian government during her visit to the European country in November 2006.
The commission had on Friday, by a majority of 2:1, issued notice to Gandhi seeking her response to an allegation that she had incurred disqualification as Member of Parliament by accepting the award from the King of Belgium. The majority felt that the commission had to give the person against whom a complaint had been received the opportunity to respond to the charge, irrespective of the merits of the case.
“This petition should have been summarily dismissed by the EC… I see no reason for the EC to debate on this petition whose sole purpose seems to be to seek publicity,” Gill said.
“Having remained in Nirvachan Sadan for eight years, it makes no sense to me to have issued notice on the Belgian award subject,” he emphasised.
Referring to the growing trend of such petitions and complaints being filed with impunity, Gill said certain people who “want to be noticed and seek self-importance” indulge in such acts. He felt that the “superior judiciary” should take serious note of these tendencies and deal with the matter sternly”.
Gill wondered how being honoured by a foreign country affected the nationalistic feelings of a person. In the past many world leaders like the former French President Charles De Gaulle were honoured by the Belgian government. India too has bestowed honours on world leaders like South African leader Nelson Mandela. He asked, “Have they become less patriotic after being honoured for their contributions by other countries?”.

Be warriors not worriers: PM Modi tells students set to appear in exams

Links for virtual court hearings can't be shared on WhatsApp groups, says SC

CBDT raids ceramic tiles magnate, finds undisclosed income worth ₹220 cr

'If you dare...': Rahul's latest challenge to PM Modi ahead of Mann Ki Baat
- Gandhi has on several occasions attacked the government over the three farm laws, alleging that they are intended to benefit "handful of PM Modi’s friends".

On Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi pushes for 'lab to land' mantra

Eatery owner's son, injured in Srinagar militant attack, succumbs 11 day later
- The victims was being treated at Shri Maharaja Hari Singh hospital in Srinagar where he was on ventilator.

Catch the rain: PM Modi urges people to conserve water ahead of summers

PM Narendra Modi addresses nation on 74th episode of Mann Ki Baat | Watch live
- Mann Ki Baat is also being aired live on the All India Radio, Doordarshan, Narendra Modi mobile app and the YouTube channels of AIR, DD News, PMO and the Union information and broadcasting ministry.

Forest clearance given to contentious Goa railway project through Western Ghats
- The forest clearance is the latest in a long line of clearances that have been granted for the project

As it happened: Be a warrior, not worrier, says PM to students on Mann Ki Baat

PSLV lifts off with Amazonia-1, 18 other satellites; ISRO says launch successful

Airports in Northeast India operating, expanding amid Covid-19 pandemic

India reports over 16,000 new Covid-19 cases for 4th straight day

PM Narendra Modi to address Mann Ki Baat today

TTD seeks land for Venkateshwara temple at Ayodhya; says cow is national animal
- The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams board also decided to frame certain guidelines for taking over of temples by the TTD and for providing them financial assistance under Sri Vani Trust.