EC Chairman Meets PM Over Ministerial Criticism Amid Sub-Quota Controversy

According to Qureshi, he had conveyed his displeasure to the Prime Minister's Office over some Union ministers'remarks against the EC. Manmohan Singh called him to meet him immediately. During the meeting, he said that he was not aware of the ministers'statements and would have reprimanded him if he had known earlier. He also said that the EC is one of the most important institutions of the country's democracy and its dignity should be maintained at all costs. According to the advertisement, the matter pertains to the January 2012 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The then Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid had promised to increase the sub-quota for Muslims to 9 per cent during the election campaign. The BJP complained to the EC, calling it a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. After the hearing, the EC severely reprimanded Salman Khurshid. After this, some Congress leaders and ministers criticised the EC and questioned its decision. This rhetoric led to tensions between the EC and the government. Qureshi claimed that the matter was "not taken seriously" by the Prime Minister, after which the matter was "conveyed to the EC."