20 Apr : N Gopalaswami on Monday made his final bow from the Election Commission after an eventful tenure wishing “a very bright” future for his successor Navin Chawla, whom he had wanted to be removed not long ago.
"I take leave from all of you in the commission. At his point of time, let me wish Chawla a very bright tenure as the Chief Election Commissioner and for successful completion of the Lok Sabha elections," the outgoing CEC told reporters flanked by Chawla and the other Election Commissioner S Y Qureshi.
He also expressed confidence that the commission would stand up to its name and make its mark again in this country’s electoral history.
Gopalaswami, who had his differences with Chawla and had recommended to the President for his removal after the BJP had filed a complaint with the commission, was given a warm farewell by the two commissioners and the staff.
The recommendation was rejected by the government, which appointed Chawla as the next CEC.The outgoing CEC, who had a five-year tenure at the commission — three of them at its helm — shook hands with Chawla and embraced him as he took leave on the lawns of the commission. Both the commissioners gave him bouquets.