EC pulls up Sushma Swaraj for violating election code

NEW DELHI, Oct 28: The Election Commission today criticised Delhi Chief Minister Sushma Swaraj for the very obvious propagandist manner...

NEW DELHI, Oct 28: The Election Commission today criticised Delhi Chief Minister Sushma Swaraj for the 8220;very obvious propagandist manner8221; in which she had taken it upon herself to supervise the functioning of the Delhi Police and warned that she was violating the model code of conduct.

At a pre-election meeting with Home Ministry officials, the Commission took strong exception to Swaraj8217;s midnight swoops on the Capital8217;s police stations and asked the Ministry to take up the matter at the 8220;highest level8221; for necessary corrective action.

EC officials were of the view that the manner in which Swaraj arranged media publicity for herself during the checks violated the model code of conduct which came into effect the day the dates for the Assembly polls were announced.

They also felt that her surprise appearances interfered with the professional functioning of the police and reminded the Home Secretary that under law, his Ministry is supposed to oversee the Delhi Police. They asked the Home Secretary for8220;immediate and early action8221; in the matter so that the Delhi Police could discharge their duties in a professional manner.

The EC8217;s warning is significant because it is expected to issue the notification for the polls this week after which it will keep a closer watch on possible violations of the model code of conduct.

The meeting also reviewed the security arrangements for the forthcoming elections. The EC directed the governments of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to seal their borders with other states immediately for more effective security.

It took the unusual step of issuing a similar directive to the Andhra Pradesh Government for double protection to MP against Naxalite violence. And it asked Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to seal their borders with Rajasthan and MP to keep 8220;goonda elements8221; out of the election arena.

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It sought weekly reports from all the states and stressed the need for preventive action to ensure a violence-free poll. The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner M SGill.