Why should I resign: Chawla

New Delhi, Jan 31 (PTI) Adopting a combative approach,
Indian Election Commissioner Navin Chawla, whose removal has
been recommended to the Indian Government by Chief Election
Commissioner (CEC) N Gopalaswami, Saturday ruled out his
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 Indian 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.