Cabinet Sec defends EC decision to transfer Punjab DGP before polls

New Delhi, Jan 20 (UNI) The centre today defended the Election Commission's order for immediate transfer of Punjab DGP S S Virk ''in the interest of conducting free and fair Assembly polls in Punjab.'' Cabinet Secretary B K Chaturvedi told reporters here that the Election Commission has ''members of great wisdom and we should respect their decision.'' Pointing out that the Chief Election Commissioner Mr N Gopalswami, who is a former Home Secretary and members Mr Navin Chawla and Mr S Y Qureshi have wide administrative experience and are well aware of the rules, Mr Chaturvedi said, ''we should always remember that they are the people of wisdom and not question their decisions.'' The Cabinet Secretary's clarification was significant in view of Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh criticising the Election Commission's order of transfering Mr Virk.

The Commission, in its order issued late last night, has said that in recent period substantial concerns have been raised regarding his (Virk's) credibility and perceived neutrality in the forthcoming Assembly polls in the state.

The Commission directed the Chief Secretary to forward three names by this evening so that it can choose his replacement.

Accusing DGP Virk of "favouring" the ruling Congress, the Shiromani Akali Dal had asked the EC to transfer him ahead of the February 13 Asssembly polls.

Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami had rejected the SAD demand, while reviewing poll preparedness in Punjab on Janury 9, but had warned the official that action would be taken against him if he was not found to be "neutral and fair".

UNI