EC not to allow wall writings

Kolkata, Mar 2 (UNI) With the Model Code of Conduct coming into force in West Bengal, the Election Commission has decided not to allow wall graffitis, already banned by a State Act.

''The EC will not allow wall writings by political parties for poll campaigning. It will take a decision on the graffitis already put up on walls,'' Chief Electoral Officer Debasish Sen told reporters.

Mr Sen today held a meeting with State Chief Secretary Amit Kiran Deb, Home Secretary Prasad Ranjan Ray, Director Genral of Police C K Awasthy and Commissioner of Kolkata Police Prasun Mukherjee over implementation of the Model Code which prohibits a number of acts, including new appointments, transfers and inauguration of development projects.

The CEO said a video conference would be held tomorrow involving top government and police officials, including District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police, for proper implementation of the Model Code.

Meanwhile, the Congress urged the EC to give a clear guideline on poll campaigning in the absence of wall writing. In a representation submitted to the CEO, Pradesh Congress Committee Working President Pradip Bhattacharjee also expressed serious concern at the difficulties the political parties would face in carrying out electioneering because of a ban on the use of microphone by the State Pollution Control Board till April 13.

At a meeting, the ruling Left Front also said the ban on wall writing would hamper the campaign process. While Front major CPI(M) had written to the EC requesting for a comprehensive national guideline on poll campaign, the smaller partners, including the CPI and RSP, called for a more lenient view by the EC.

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