Pointing out that the law is very clear, the Election Commission has said it will issue neither notice nor an advisory to the BJP on its decision to release its manifesto on April 7, first day of polling.
Replying to questions, Election Commissioners H.S. Brahma and Nasim Zaidi said here on Saturday that there was no provision on when a manifesto could or could not be released, adding they would only implement the law as stated in Section 126(B) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Leaders of the party and its lawyers were well aware of the law of the land and they should act accordingly, the Commissioners said.
Asked about the statement by Amit Shah, a close aide of BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi that the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh would be dismissed if the BJP came to power, they said they were unaware of any complaint having been received in this regard. “Maybe in Delhi, we’ll find out.”
The Commissioners said they had received complaints against the District Magistrates of Supaul and Purnia in Bihar. These would be verified and action taken, if necessary, within 48 hours.
The EC has identified 56,423 persons who could intimidate voters attached to over 17,000 booths being set up in vulnerable hamlets.
The Bihar government has been directed to execute 34,377 pending non-bailable warrants.
Paramilitary forces would be deployed at all booths on riverine islands to prevent rigging.
The EC has launched a toll-free number 1950 for lodging complaints in case of any problem or threat to voters.
