"You love democracy and hate politicians, this is not possible" -- quipped Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi on Tuesday as he heaped praised on the country's political leaders, noting that because of their policies India is marching towards becoming a super power.
"Our politicians are good. Had it not been so, our fate would have been like that of our neighbouring country...," the CEC said inaugurating 3rd state level philatelic exhibition on Delhi's outskirts.
"Because of their (political leaders) policies, India is marching towards becoming a super power," he said.
Noting that credibility of the Election Commission has been maintained over the years, the CEC said that everyone has faith in the commission irrespective of whether one wins or loses in the election.
But at the same time, Quraishi lamented that a large number of voters living in metropolitan cities do not come out to cast their vote which is unfortunate.
"These people sitting in their homes keep cursing politicians. Do they have right to do so?" he questioned.
He said that the Election Commission has started a new voter education division for one and a half years now. "Due to this, the voter turnout in UP assembly elections has increased from 30 to 35 per cent.
"In the last 60 years, the polling percentage in UP has been the highest," Quereshi asserted.