CEC J.M. Lyngdoh has said that the Commission would enforce the law ‘‘rigidly’’ during the forthcoming Gujarat polls. Speaking to Sabe Television, Lyngdoh said: ‘‘Absolutely, people who use that sort of language should be prosecuted. We have to hasten that process.’’ He was replying to a question on how the EC would ensure trouble-free polls when there were statements by political leaders on communal lines. Asked if he was talking about VHP leader Praveen Togadia, Lyngdoh said: ‘‘It could be anybody. Whoever it is’’. He also said that the EC would use its authority to contain such communal propaganda like it does in every other election. On whether the Union Home Ministry has refused to provide 400 companies of paramilitary forces for the elections as desired by the Commission, Lyngdoh said that the issue has been settled after a discussion with the Union Home Secretary. ‘‘It could be 425 or 375 (companies). It should be all right,’ he said.
