Manmohan Singh’s defense of the Election Commission in 2012

When Salman Khurshid broke the model code of conduct during the 2012 Uttar Pradesh elections, the fallout reached the Prime Minister’s office. Former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi recalls an emotional Manmohan Singh, who expressed genuine distress over his cabinet colleagues undermining the independence of the national poll body.

Editorial·July 13, 2026·reads: 3,250

Manmohan Singh’s defense of the Election Commission in 2012

The incident centers on a controversy involving promises of increased minority quotas, which the Election Commission identified as a direct violation of electoral rules. Quraishi described the Prime Minister’s reaction as one of shock, noting that Singh viewed the preservation of the commission's integrity as a non-negotiable democratic pillar. Despite the political friction caused by his own ministers, Singh pledged to suppress any disparaging rhetoric originating from within his party.

Quraishi’s account highlights a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse of Singh’s commitment to institutional norms. In the face of internal pressure, the former Prime Minister prioritized the authority of the Election Commission, signaling a personal sensitivity toward the sanctity of the voting process that often remained shielded from public view.