BEHAVE: ECI READS THE RIOT ACT TO POLITICAL PARTIES

CEC Rajiv Kumar issued a series of advisories to political parties warning them of serious repercussions.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

In a stern message to political parties that has likely come as a response to the perception that the Election Commission of India has ceded ground to erring and motormouth politicians, the poll body on Saturday, while announcing the schedule for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and Assembly elections in four states, put on notice political leaders by warning them of strict action in case they do not adhere to the Model Code of Conduct.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, who sources said, was getting repeated inputs and suggestions that the Election Commission was not being taken seriously by candidates, thereby leading to questions on the body’s relevance, reminiscent of the T.N. Seshan times, issued a series of advisories to the political parties warning them of serious repercussions this time if they do not conduct themselves as per the code of conduct. He stated that these “advisories” will no longer be treated as mere words.