Describing the present controversy as 'unfortunate', Bhardwaj said it should not affect Chawla's career as appointments in the Election Commission are based on merit.

"We will begin the process to put in place a new CEC well in time" so that the name of Gopalaswami's successor is clear before he retires on April 20, Bhardwaj said.

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"Gopalaswami should do his work in EC and not become a political boss," he said on the sidelines of a conference here.

"It is rather unfortunate that when the country is preparing for general elections, such a controversy has been sparked off by him (CEC)," Bhardwaj said, clarifying that a suo motu recommendation by the CEC to the President for removal of a commissioner cannot be done.

The CEC has caused 'embarrassment' with his comment on his colleague because they (all election commissioners) are equals, he said.

The Election Commission should be preparing the election rolls but it's unfortunate that he (CEC) has sparked off the controversy, he said.