Election Commission gives a stern warning to officials against partisan behaviour in polls

Election Commission gives a stern warning to officials against partisan behaviour in polls

Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat has a strict message for government officials associating themselves with political parties. Photo: PTI

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) OP Rawat while in Bhopal on Wednesday issued a stern warning to officials overseeing election work in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, saying that any partisan activity will be taken seriously and "strict action will be taken against those indulging in it".

In reply to a question, the CEC also said that the Election Commission (EC) was keeping a watch on officers who were associating themselves with the ongoing Jan Ashirwad Yatra of the BJP in Madhya Pradesh.

The EC I's warnings come close on the heels of the previous Raipur Collector OP Chaudhry resigning to join the BJP in Chhattisgarh. Chaudhry's resignation and possible candidature from the party in upcoming assembly elections have been questioned by the Congress that has accused the bureaucracy of working for the ruling party. Chaudhry's resignation was secured and approved in record time once news of him agreeing to join the BJP became public.

The EC was slated to be in Raipur on August 30 and will meet district magistrates (DM) and superintendents of police (SP) of all districts. A potentially embarrassing situation wherein a serving collector who was being touted as a BJP candidate in upcoming polls would have met the ECI was also averted by the resignation of OP Chaudhry from the IAS.

Rawat also categorically stated that the polls in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh would be held as per schedule, dispelling any rumours that the polls may be delayed to coincide with the Lok Sabha elections. "The fact that we are here means that the elections would be held as per schedule," he said in reply to a question on whether polls can be deferred in Madhya Pradesh.

The CEC and Commissioners Sunil Arora and Ashok Lavasa are on a tour of poll-bound states of Madhya and Chhattisgarh to oversee preparations for the upcoming elections. The Commission held meetings with DMs and SPs and also with representatives of political parties over two days.

The CEC also said that for the first time, citizens would be able to play a role in ensuring free and fair elections. An application called vigil would enable citizens to report any wrongdoing in polls and the complaint would be forwarded to the concerned DMs for action. Also, for the first time, the Commission would ensure setting up of at least one all-women managed polling booths.

The CEC rejected the allegations that there were issues with the electoral rolls as alleged by the Congress in states going to polls. He said that the ECI is conducting physical verification of voters and by the time the summary revision of rolls is completed on September 27, the issues would be resolved. He refused to comment on the matter involving Madhya Pradesh Minister for Public Relations Narottam Mishra's election being set aside by the ECI on allegations of paid news. "The matter is sub-judice and I cannot comment on it," he said.

Source: India Today

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