‘Nothing casteist in jumbo draping order’

Ahead of the Assembly polls in UP,the EC on January 8 had ordered for covering the statues of elephants and Mayawati constructed in public places at government expenses.

“It (the EC) expects a higher sense of responsibility and constitutional decorum from major political parties and their leaders. It notes with concern such statements coming from those holding constitutional positions,” the statement added. It also said,the commission needs to reiterate that it takes decision and enforces them within the provisions of the Constitution and that does not include considerations of religion,race,caste and community in the manner alleged.

“The contention that the statues of elephants as erected are different from the election symbol of BSP is not acceptable. In that case,other political parties would be in a position to seek allotment of the elephant symbol in different postures,” the statement added.

The commission reiterated that its order was in accordance with the law and in keeping with its constitutional mandate for ensuring level-playing field during the elections with the objective of ensuring free and fair polls. The order was also in conformity with the commission’s consistent practice to remove photographs,pictures,etc of active political leaders at all public places,put up at the cost of public exchequer so that there is no undue advantage or disadvantage to political parties and candidates.

There were standing instructions of the commission that images and photographs of Prime Minister,chief ministers,ministers and other political functionaries,who are active in public life should not be displayed in government buildings and premises as that would have the effect of disturbing the level-playing field,Singh said. The statues depicting any party symbol and put up in public places at the cost of public money would also come in this category,he added.

The commission’s enforcement also related to the statues of living leaders of political parties who are still active in politics and not leaders of the past. That is why statues of several icons including that of late Kanshi Ram as well as of other parties have not been ordered to be covered. In fact,the UP administration has been asked to bring to the commission’s attention,statues of other parties standing on similar footing and which have been erected at government cost so that appropriate action can be initiated.

The commission stated that it was covering a government property,hence the need to consult any political party did not arise… The step to cover the statues was the most appropriate and available option before the commission.

“The commission hopes that the aforesaid explanation makes its stand on the covering of the statues amply clear. It does not intend to further engage in elaborating the matter,” it added.