New Delhi: Unfazed by the raging controversy over his description of politicians as the "cancer" without cure, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) J M Lyngdoh has stood by his remarks, saying that he was serious about what he had said.

"I have been fairly serious about all I have been saying... I do not want to add to what I have said. Let us forget about all that," he said in the "Big Story" programme in NDTV 24x7.

Refusing to be dragged into further controversy over his remarks, the CEC said he has been saying that the system needs reforms.

"Obviously I have been saying that. I have also been saying how candidates need to improve," Lyngdoh, who retires in February, said.

When reminded that his critics had pointed out that he and former Chief Election Commissioner T N Seshan took pot-shots at politicians after serving the Government for entire career and he would respond to such criticism, Lyngdoh said, "It was not out of line at all. In the nature of things, you never serve any Government as such. The Government could be any party in power. You actually serve the rules and regulations. You serve the principles.

"That's what people have forgotten now a days. Bureaucrats have forgotten that... Secretary to the Government is not meant to be somebody's personal assistant to take down dictation".

When asked about his plans in the post-retirement period, Lyngdoh said in a lighter vein, "To watch people make mistakes as they have been watching me trying to make mistakes."

Whether he would be writing a book after demitting office, Lyngdoh said "not now".