Why should I resign: Chawla

Adopting a combative approach, Election Commissioner Navin Chawla, whose removal has been recommended to the Government by CEC N Gopalaswami, today ruled out his resignation and said he was looking forward to conducting the general elections.

"Why should I resign," he shot back when asked by reporters whether he would quit in the wake of Gopalaswami's recommendation to the President for his removal.

He refused to comment on the CEC's recommendation, saying he was not aware of any letter written to the President.

Asked about his next step, Chawla said, "We have to conduct general elections and so we must continue to work in that direction."

He said the Commission has conducted "flawless" elections for the past several years and "We will continue to do so."

Earlier, he told PTI that "The dignity of the Commission is paramount."

The controversy has erupted nearly two months before Gopalaswami's tenure ends. Chawla, the senior-most Election Commissioner, was considered as the natural choice for the top post when Gopalaswami demits office on April 20.