The Hindu : National : EC warns BJP

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Sunday, Nov 23, 2008
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National

EC warns BJP

J. Venkatesan

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Saturday slapped a notice on the Bharatiya Janata Party to show cause why its symbol should not be freezed in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls scheduled for November 27 for violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

In its notice, the commission referred to the BJP’s election manifesto containing photographs showing, among others, certain senior serving government officers, the former President of India, A.P.J. Kalam, and several government buildings including the Supreme Court of India and High Court of Madhya Pradesh at Jabalpur.

The notice said that the Model Code of Conduct “specifically states that all parties and candidates shall avoid scrupulously all activities which are ‘corrupt practices’ and whereas, obtaining assistance of government officers for furtherance of prospects of your party is a corrupt practice coming within the ambit of Section 123 (7) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.”

The commission noted that the code “provides that the party in power shall ensure that no cause is given for any complaint that it has used its official position for the purpose of its election campaign; publishing photographs of government officers, government buildings etc. are clear violation of the provisions of the code.”

The commission directed the party to remove the photographs from its manifesto forthwith and to submit the compliance report latest by 11 a.m. on November 24.

The commission also called upon the party to explain by 11 a.m. of November 25 as to why it failed to abide by the model code and the lawful directions of the commission and why actions should not be taken.

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