Sunday, May 15 2005 15:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Outgoing Chief Election Commissioner T S Krishna Murthy is "upset" on his last day in office today (May 15, 2005), as he feels the credibility of the three-member poll body's decision was being "questioned and politicised".

"I take it as a part of democracy. I was upset that the credibility of the Election Commission's decision was being questioned and it was getting politicised", Murthy told reporters when asked about the recent controversy over Saptharishi's allegations at the fag end of his tenure.

Without directly referring to the controversy, he said that fortunately the reaction from every responsible quarters was in favour of the Election Commission.

Hitting out at political parties, Murthy said that there were attempts by political parties to find some excuses to criticise the Commission's decisions.

"Unfortunately no political party like it to be disciplined. Whenever rules and regulations are required to be enforced, the political party concerned does not like if it is enforced strictly", he said.

However, the CEC said he was demitting office as a "happy man".

"I am a happy man and quite happy. I am able to carry on the tradition of the Election Commission and the credibility of the Commission is at its peak".

Murthy will be succeeded by senior most Election Commissioner B B Tandon tomorrow (May 14, 2005).