Asking for votes in name of religion, caste will be violation of model code of conduct: Election Commission to political parties

With just a few days left for assembly election in five states to start and political parties doing their best to woo voters, Election Commission on Tuesday directed parties to desist from splitting voters on religion and caste. The EC also added that such practice by political parties will amount to the violation of the model code, it also reminded them of a recent Supreme Court order which said such appeals amount to corrupt practice. The election commission has also asked parties to not use pictures of president and vice-president in election posters.

The commission sent letters to chief electoral officers of all states and has directed that seeking votes in the name of religion and caste by or on behalf of any candidate or political party would now amount to violation of the provisions of the Mode Code of Conduct. The Chief electoral officers have been asked to inform the grassroots level election officials and ensure the compliance of the SC orders during elections.

Supreme Court on January 2, held that any appeal to vote or to refrain from voting for a candidate on the ground of religion, caste, race, community or language of the candidate, election agent, any person making the appeal with the consent of the candidate or on the ground of the religion, caste of the electors would amount to corrupt practice.

Detailing the broad points of the judgement delivered by a Constitution Bench, the Commission has now asked the parties to ensure "strict compliance" of the judgement.

"The political parties may also suitably brief and inform their lower formations and party cadres and all their candidates about the ruling of the Supreme Court and ask them  to desist from any activities that would amount to soliciting votes in the name of religion, caste, etc in any manner, in their own interest and in the interest of the party.

"Such appeals may also fall within the ambit of... Model Code of Conduct," the letter addressed to top brass of all recognised national and state political parties said. 

(with PTI input)