EC slaps notice on INLD candidate for riding elephant on way to file papers
The OIPA sought confiscation of the elephant besides asking the government to cancel ownership of male elephants.
The Election Commission has slapped a notice on the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) candidate from Nuh for riding an elephant while
going to file his nomination, and animal rights activists have approached police to register an FIR against him.
Zakir Hussain was served a notice by the returning officer of Nuh and asked to send a clarification in two days on using the elephant.
It says that use of animals is banned under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the candidate clearly violated the code of conduct.
Abhishek Kadian, member of the state board for wildlife, had sent a complaint to the returning officer on the issue. He also sought action against the INLD for allegedly failing to educate its leaders on animal rights.
The Indian chapter of the Indian People for Animals (OIPA) also sent a representation to the EC, seeking action against all candidates who abuse animals during their campaign.
The complaint stated, “On September 26, 2014, Zakir Hussain, candidate of INLD, abused male elephant while submitting his nomination, wild animal was badly abused, could have damaged public property and life due to heavy crowd and public nuisance. Moreover, no permission was obtained from the competent authorities before using the male elephant, hence, abuser custodian be also booked for the violation of the terms and conditions of the ownership because elephant can not abused for these kinds of political functions.”
The OIPA sought confiscation of the elephant besides asking the government to cancel ownership of male elephants.
Kadian of the OIPA has sent a number of representations to the EC regarding misuse of animals in campaigns, following which the EC issued an advisory to parties.
“The commission has received representations from OIPA India, alleging that animals like horses, ponies, donkeys, elephants, camels and bulls are subjected to cruelty in different ways in connection with election campaigns,” the advisory states.
Kadian in his representation alleged that animals are often made to carry loads beyond permissible limits, made to work long hours,
and some candidates even paint slogans and election symbols on them using harmful chemicals.
“Bulls, donkeys, elephants and other animals used in election campaigns are commonly beaten, pushed into crowds, overloaded
and otherwise abused. They are often undernourished and denied adequate food and water. Wounds and other injuries are common,” he said.
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