The Election Commission of India on Friday assured that all complaints regarding the election code violations by political parties are being looked into and stringent action will be taken for the violations.
Interacting with the media after a two-day visit to the poll-bound Telangana, where voting is scheduled for December 7, Om Prakash Rawat, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) said the commission will look into the promises being made by the political parties and whether they can be implemented.
Mentioning an instance where a top leader of a political party was not allowed to campaign after he was found guilty of delivering inciting statements, Rawat said, “The EC will come down heavily on candidates using abusive language and those making statements inciting religious feelings.”
Election preparedness
Having concluded the review of the election preparedness along with Election Commissioners Sunil Aroa and Ashok Lavasa, the CEC said the commission was satisfied with the arrangements made by the Chief Electoral Officer and his team for the smooth conduct of the polls.
Acknowledging the complaints made by parties on partisan attitude by a section of officials and police in favour of the the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), the CEC said they will look into the matter and take action.
He mentioned a complaint from a political party about the government issuing an order and later keeping it in abeyance for implementation after the election. This they alleged was aimed at influencing the election.
There have also been complaints about some newspapers and channels indulging in the publication of “paid news” in favour of a particular party.
The commission assured an effective mechanism that will be put in place.
The administration and police had been asked to intensify preventive steps against possible violations.
Seized assets
Enforcement officials have seized ₹79 crore in cash, the Chief Commissioner said the expenditure by a candidate was being monitored.
Some political parties had complained about the distribution of money and liquor and demanded effective action by stepping up vigil.