- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: After announcing dates for Delhi Assembly elections the Chief Election Officer of India (CEO) Rajiv Kumar on Tuesday urged political parties to maintain decorum during the poll campaigns in the national capital.
He also said that “spreading lies” about the electoral process misleads the public and discourages youth participation in elections.
While addressing a press conference Vigyan Bhawan in the national Capital, the CEC said, “In order to ensure inducement-free elections, money power will be tackled, and everyone will be thoroughly checked.”
Citing an incident during the Maharashtra Assembly elections, CEC Rajiv Kumar highlighted the Election Commission’s thoroughness in conducting checks.
The incident happened ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections last year when a war of words broke out between the MahaYuti alliance and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray shared a video of ECI officials checking his bags during the poll campaign.
“There were allegations that only a particular leader’s helicopter was checked, while others were not. Despite such accusations and even abusive language directed at us, we maintained our composure to ensure a level playing field,” CEC Rajiv Kumar said.
He also addressed inappropriate behaviour toward polling officials, adding, “Sometimes, threats are made against polling staff. We urge political campaigners and star campaigners to maintain politeness and sociability during elections. Improper behaviour, especially toward women and children, will not be tolerated. This is a strict warning.”
CEC Rajiv Kumar stressed the importance of ethical campaigning, urging political parties and candidates to follow guidelines and avoid lowering the campaign’s decorum.
“Don’t let campaigns stoop to a level where voters, particularly young ones, feel discouraged. Let’s uphold etiquette and fairness,” he said.
The CEC also mentioned the Election Commission’s stringent measures to curb any form of inducement.
