CEC warns Modi

Chief Election Commissioner T.S. Krishnamurthy today asked the leaders of political parties to refrain from making personal attacks or resor...

Chief Election Commissioner T.S. Krishnamurthy today asked the leaders of political parties to refrain from making personal attacks or resort to foul language.

Asked about Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi8217;s reported remarks on Sonia Gandhi and her son, Rahul, he said: 8216;8216;There have been occasions when people have resorted to personal attacks. The politicians should not react in such a manner. Even if we have received no formal complaint in this regard so far, politicians must conduct themselves in a responsible manner and their indulging in mudslinging and personal attacks will bring disgrace to the democracy.8217;8217;

Krishnamurthy, who arrived here on a three-day visit along with Election Commissioners B.B. Tandon and M. Gopalaswami, told mediapersons that an all-party meeting would be convened in New Delhi to discuss all poll-related issues, including surrogate advertisements and opinion polls, and to build a broader consensus on them.

The Commission is here to take stock of the arrangements for ensuring free and fair elections and discuss related issues with authorities and political parties.

On the anti-poll boycott issued by separatist parties, Krishnamurthy said the EC would review what action they would take against such parties. The breakaway faction of Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, JKLF, People8217;s League, Jamat Islami and People8217;s Conference Sajjad Lone have called for poll boycott.

Krishnamurthy said he is confident of 8216;8216;perfect8217;8217; elections in the state as things appear better this time. On the BSNL8217;s announcement of cut in tariff, the CEC said it would be examined whether the decision is of commercial interest or is motivated by the Government.

The National Conference called upon the EC to re-introduce the ballot paper system instead of EVMs. NC representative Ghulam Mir Lasjan asked the Commission to install more polling booths in far-flung areas so that everyone can cast their votes easily.

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The Jammu and Kashmir Panther8217;s Party sought disqualification of the ruling PDP from contesting the Lok Sabha for 8216;8216;violating election code of conduct by seeking to misuse the Women8217;s Bill on communal lines8217;8217;. 8216;8216;According to the EC norms, a party cannot contest elections if it seeks votes on whipping up communal feelings,8217;8217; said Bashir Ahmad Kathu, Panther8217;s candidate for Srinagar Lok Sabha seat.

The ruling PDP wanted the EC to ensure that 8216;8216;migrant votes are not bought as has been the practice8217;8217;. PDP leader Tariq Hamid Qarra also wanted more booths to be set up.